Comparing Criminal Behaviour and Deviance: A Comprehensive Guide
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24 Jun 2025
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Demetra
@demetra_21
Comparing Criminal Behaviour and Deviance: A Comprehensive Guide
This guide... Show more
Criminal Behaviour and Legal Definitions
This section focuses on the concept of criminal behavior and its legal definitions, highlighting the differences between social and legal perspectives on crime.
Definition: Criminal behaviour involves serious and harmful acts that are considered deviant by society and are so disruptive that the state must intervene.
Social Definition of Crime
The text emphasizes that no behavior is inherently criminal; rather, society defines certain acts as criminal, making it a social construct.
Example: The similarities between deviance and crime are evident in how both are socially defined. For instance, in the UK, it is an offense to have sex with a 14-year-old, while in countries like Bangladesh, child marriages are practiced.
Legal Definition of Crime
From a legal perspective, a crime is defined as behavior that breaks the law and for which one is punished by the legal system.
Highlight: In law, two elements must be satisfied for an act to be considered an offense:
Vocabulary: Strict liability refers to cases where the wrongful act alone is enough to convict someone, without the need for mens rea. Examples include food and safety regulations, speeding, and watching TV without a license.
Example: An example of an exception to the rule is self-defense. Assaulting someone with the deliberate intention to harm them is usually a criminal act. However, if it's done in self-defense, it's not a crime, assuming the force used was proportionate to the risk.
Sentencing Options
The guide outlines various sentencing options available in the criminal justice system:
Highlight: Understanding these sentencing options is crucial when studying formal sanctions in criminal justice.
Non-Court/Police Sanctions
The text also covers non-court sanctions administered by the police:
Example: These non-court sanctions provide examples of informal sanctions in criminology, bridging the gap between formal legal processes and more lenient forms of addressing minor offenses.
Understanding Deviant Behaviour and Social Norms
This section explores the fundamental concepts of deviance and social norms in society. It delves into the definitions of key terms and provides examples to illustrate these concepts.
Definition: Deviance is defined as behavior that goes against the dominant social norms of society and causes some kind of critical reaction.
Vocabulary: Norms are social rules that define correct and accepted behavior by society or a group. Examples include queuing, being polite, prioritizing the elderly, and respecting personal space.
Vocabulary: Values are guides on what is wrong or right and the standards worth maintaining and achieving in society. They lead the way for norms. Examples include embracing diversity, the importance of religion and culture, rule of law, and democracy.
Vocabulary: Moral codes reflect how an individual interprets these norms and values. Examples include the police Code of Ethics and the BPS Code of Ethics.
The text outlines three forms of deviance:
Highlight: Understanding these forms of deviance is crucial in comparing criminal behaviour and deviance in criminology.
Formal and Informal Sanctions
This section explains the concept of sanctions and their role in social control.
Definition: A sanction is something put in place to either punish or defend someone for their deviant behavior.
There are two types of sanctions:
Example: The difference between formal and informal sanctions in criminal justice can be illustrated by comparing a parent grounding their child to a court imposing a fine .
Highlight: Sanctions can also be positive, used to reward behavior of which society approves, such as praise or a certificate of achievement.
Vocabulary: Social control refers to the use of rewards or punishments aimed at controlling behavior and ensuring conformity to society's norms.
Our AI Companion is a student-focused AI tool that offers more than just answers. Built on millions of Knowunity resources, it provides relevant information, personalised study plans, quizzes, and content directly in the chat, adapting to your individual learning journey.
You can download the app from Google Play Store and Apple App Store.
That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.
App Store
Google Play
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
Demetra
@demetra_21
Comparing Criminal Behaviour and Deviance: A Comprehensive Guide
This guide explores the key concepts of deviance, criminal behavior, and their related sanctions in society. It provides essential definitions, examples, and explanations of formal and informal social control mechanisms.
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Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Criminal Behaviour and Legal Definitions
This section focuses on the concept of criminal behavior and its legal definitions, highlighting the differences between social and legal perspectives on crime.
Definition: Criminal behaviour involves serious and harmful acts that are considered deviant by society and are so disruptive that the state must intervene.
Social Definition of Crime
The text emphasizes that no behavior is inherently criminal; rather, society defines certain acts as criminal, making it a social construct.
Example: The similarities between deviance and crime are evident in how both are socially defined. For instance, in the UK, it is an offense to have sex with a 14-year-old, while in countries like Bangladesh, child marriages are practiced.
Legal Definition of Crime
From a legal perspective, a crime is defined as behavior that breaks the law and for which one is punished by the legal system.
Highlight: In law, two elements must be satisfied for an act to be considered an offense:
Vocabulary: Strict liability refers to cases where the wrongful act alone is enough to convict someone, without the need for mens rea. Examples include food and safety regulations, speeding, and watching TV without a license.
Example: An example of an exception to the rule is self-defense. Assaulting someone with the deliberate intention to harm them is usually a criminal act. However, if it's done in self-defense, it's not a crime, assuming the force used was proportionate to the risk.
Sentencing Options
The guide outlines various sentencing options available in the criminal justice system:
Highlight: Understanding these sentencing options is crucial when studying formal sanctions in criminal justice.
Non-Court/Police Sanctions
The text also covers non-court sanctions administered by the police:
Example: These non-court sanctions provide examples of informal sanctions in criminology, bridging the gap between formal legal processes and more lenient forms of addressing minor offenses.
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Understanding Deviant Behaviour and Social Norms
This section explores the fundamental concepts of deviance and social norms in society. It delves into the definitions of key terms and provides examples to illustrate these concepts.
Definition: Deviance is defined as behavior that goes against the dominant social norms of society and causes some kind of critical reaction.
Vocabulary: Norms are social rules that define correct and accepted behavior by society or a group. Examples include queuing, being polite, prioritizing the elderly, and respecting personal space.
Vocabulary: Values are guides on what is wrong or right and the standards worth maintaining and achieving in society. They lead the way for norms. Examples include embracing diversity, the importance of religion and culture, rule of law, and democracy.
Vocabulary: Moral codes reflect how an individual interprets these norms and values. Examples include the police Code of Ethics and the BPS Code of Ethics.
The text outlines three forms of deviance:
Highlight: Understanding these forms of deviance is crucial in comparing criminal behaviour and deviance in criminology.
Formal and Informal Sanctions
This section explains the concept of sanctions and their role in social control.
Definition: A sanction is something put in place to either punish or defend someone for their deviant behavior.
There are two types of sanctions:
Example: The difference between formal and informal sanctions in criminal justice can be illustrated by comparing a parent grounding their child to a court imposing a fine .
Highlight: Sanctions can also be positive, used to reward behavior of which society approves, such as praise or a certificate of achievement.
Vocabulary: Social control refers to the use of rewards or punishments aimed at controlling behavior and ensuring conformity to society's norms.
Our AI Companion is a student-focused AI tool that offers more than just answers. Built on millions of Knowunity resources, it provides relevant information, personalised study plans, quizzes, and content directly in the chat, adapting to your individual learning journey.
You can download the app from Google Play Store and Apple App Store.
That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.
App Store
Google Play
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user