Download Advanced Higher Modern Studies – Study theme 2 Context 1

Advanced Higher Modern Studies – Study theme 2 Context 1
Read pages 1 to 7 of “Angles on Criminal Psychology” by Diana
Dwyer and complete the following questions.
1. What is the simplest definition of a crime? Do you agree with this
definition/ can you see any problems with such a simple definition?
2. Explain why factors such as “intention” and “age” must be taken into
account when deciding what is criminal.
3. Explain why crime can be described as a “social construct”.
4. Explain what you understand by the following terms,
a) Consensus view
b) Conflict view
c) Interactionist view
5. Is immorality the same as crime? Explain why most people obey the
law?
6. Explain the belief of Durkheim as regards “Morals”.
7. What problems arise if the law is based on a moral code?
8. Explain the “Natural Law” approach.
9. Do you agree with the view of John Stuart Mill that “victimless” crime
should be legal? Explain fully. (Think about the needs of a capitalist
economy for a fit and sober workforce.)
10. Search the Internet for any recent examples of a clash between
“Morality” and the law. (They are common)
11. Read “Interactive Angles” on page 7. Try to find out more about this
case and answer the two questions at the end, giving reasoned
arguments for your view.
Read pages 7 to 14 of “Angles on Criminal Psychology” by Diana
Dwyer and complete the following questions.
1. Describe in detail the trends in the total number of offences since
records began.
2. Why do official statistics not always back the common stereotype of “a
criminal”?
3. “Official crime statistics do not present an accurate picture of the true
level of crime due to massive under-reporting. They do however provide
an important guide to trends over time”
Explain and evaluate the accuracy of this statement. (15)
4.Explain how the British Crime Survey differs from official police statistics.
4. In what ways can the BCS provide biased results?
5. Summarise the results of the BCS 2000 from page 11.
6. Crime figures are often used as a political tool by government and
opposition. Having read page 12&13, write a short speech or statement,
which rejects Jack Straw’s view. I.e. use the statistics in a biased way.
7. Write brief answers to discussion points 1, 2 & 3 on page 13.