Sociology 2253A/B Lecture Notes - Lecture 2: Victimless Crime, Mens Rea, Vigilante

• School: Western University
• Department: Sociology
• Course: Sociology 2253A/B
• Professor: Brenda Kobayashi

Document Summary

Foundational and criminal justice system soc2253 fall 2016. Informal social control: not exercise through official mechanisms, no specially designated persons in charge of enforcement. As society became more complex, the informal methods were no longer able to control individuals. Body of laws that deals with conduct considered harmful to society as a whole that is prohibited by statue. People are prosecuted by the government, concerned by public laws, when you violate a law you harm the state. Might be an individual victim they are represented by the state. Found in criminal code - applies to all provinces and territories. Declared to be a threat to social order in society. # of function, maintains order, social control, defines acceptable behaviour, criminalizes behaviour, deterrence, preserves civil rights and liberties. Common notions of what"s appropriate behaviour - reflects societies moral values - values are transmitted from one generation to the next. Laws that prohibit vigilantism, can"t go find your thief and shoot them.