Sociology 2253A/B Chapter : Chater 5- History and Structure of Criminal Law
19 Oct 2013
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Document Summary
Based in common or judge made law, the criminal code and the constitution. Through the judgments of trial and appeal (or appellate) courts, substantive criminal law crystallizes into doctrine, providing judges with a rich variety of time honored rules and principles to be applied to a new case. Describes social and political contexts within which government and non government actors collectively produce and administer substantive criminal law: statutory and common law that prohibits undesirable conduct and that prescribes punishment for specific offences. Involves matters as the composition and jurisdiction of criminal courts; the respective role of judges, juries and lawyers; the legislative process; the means by which judges review the constitutionality of criminal law statutes. How local communities bring their values, interests, and expectations to bear on official decision making.
