Define crime,its relationship to law, and two most common models of how society determine which act are criminal.
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Define crime,its relationship to law, and two most common models of how society determine which act are criminal.
Crime refers to any act committed by an individual that goes against the established laws and regulations of a society. It involves actions that are harmful, unlawful, and punishable by the governing authorities.
The relationship between crime and law is fundamental, as the concept of crime is defined by the laws that exist within a specific society. Laws outline the acceptable conduct and behavior of individuals, and when these laws are violated, an act becomes classified as a crime. The legal system provides the framework for identifying, prosecuting, and punishing individuals who engage in criminal activities.
Society determines which acts are considered criminal through various models. Here are two of the most common models:
1. Consensus Model: According to this model, the determination of criminality is based on the shared values and beliefs of the majority within a society. It assumes that there is a general consensus among members of the society regarding what behaviors should be deemed criminal. The laws are created to reflect these shared values and are enforced by the criminal justice system.
To understand which acts are criminal under the consensus model, one would need to examine the legislative process. This involves studying the establishment of laws through the collaboration of lawmakers, policymakers, and public opinion. It may include reviewing the legislative records, public debates, surveys, and studies conducted to gauge societal consensus on specific issues.
2. Conflict Model: In contrast to the consensus model, the conflict model suggests that criminal behavior is determined by the power dynamics and conflicts present within a society. It emphasizes the influence of different social groups, their interests, and their ability to shape the definition of crime.
To comprehend which acts are considered criminal under the conflict model, one would need to analyze social structures, power disparities, and the relationship between different groups. This analysis might involve examining historical patterns of criminalization, exploring social inequalities, studying the role of lobbying groups, and scrutinizing the impact of legal decisions.
Both models provide distinct perspectives on how society determines what acts are criminal. Exploring the consensus and conflict models allows us to understand the complex interplay between law, social norms, and power dynamics in the creation and enforcement of criminality.