CRIM 2652 Lecture Notes - Lecture 2: Merriam-Webster, Special Investigations Unit, Ontario Civilian Police Commission
21 Sep 2017
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Document Summary
Legal de nitions of crime and the administration criminal justice re ect and reproduce universally held shared social values. Focus on criminal acts and actions (not reactions) Crimes are acts which are mala in se (wrong in themselves) i. e. : murder is wrong (general agreement) and should not be tolerated. Activities or behaviours are criminalized because of broader social, economic and political factors. The unequal distribution of power in uences de nitions of crime and the administration of criminal justice. Focus on behaviour of the criminal law and the process of law reform. Crimes are acts or activities which are mala prohibita (wrong because they are against the law) No essential distinction between criminals and non-criminals. Obtain fair justice and protect rights of accused. Concern to limit, guide and structure o cial discretion and power: the end does not justify the means.
