CRM 1301 Lecture Notes - Lecture 7: Actus Reus, Homicide, Hate Crime

• School: University of Ottawa
• Department: Criminology
• Course: CRM 1301
• Professor: Carolyn Gordon

Document Summary

In canada, no one is considered above the law (even the prime minister) *certainty is the most important aspect to make sure that deterrence will actually be effective. Reforms for laws: laws must be written, available and understandable to all they laws must apply equally to all. Reforms for punishment: judges determine guilty or not guilty only if found guilty = judge cannot prescribe or interpret the law. Punishment determined by legislator legislator is the power of the people focus only on the actus reus (the guilty act) Only concerned about the crime (no intention, motive, environment considered) *capital punishment is more expensive studies revealed = higher rates of homicide in places that still have capital punishment. Classical criminologists are against the death penalty: contrary to social contract. No general deterrence = too quick for long lasting effect turned to incarceration (society needs more disciplined workers)