SOC101Y1 Chapter Notes -Actus Reus, Labeling Theory, Political Crime
Document Summary
Deviance: any behaviour, belief or condition that violates norms; it is something that is conferred by the group"s response (relative), continually changing, and varies in seriousness. Understanding deviance: study the context under which something is deemed deviant. Durkheim: deviance is present in all societies though they vary; deviance are acts that offend collective sentiments. Criminal code: defines crime as intentional violation of criminal law without defense and excuse. Has 4 components politicality, specificity, uniformity, and penal sanctions. To be found guilty: actus reus (act that has been committed) and mens rea (the intent) must always be together to consider a crime. Types of crime: mala in se (crimes that are themselves evil) and mala prohibita (crimes because they are illegal) Norms: varies according to whether people know they exist, accept them, enforce them uniformly, think them important, back them up with law, and adhere to them in public/private lives.
