SOC209H5 Study Guide - Midterm Guide: Visible Minority, Nimby, Namco System 11
Document Summary
Chapter 1: fundamental component of the criminal justice system is the rule of law, rule of law: the requirement that governments, as well as individuals be subjected to and abide by the law. Process by which the laws are enacted, administered and enforced is accessible, fair and efficient. Functions: mechanism of social control, maintain order, defines the parameters of acceptable behaviour, deterrence, reduces the private citizens risk of personal retaliation. Principles: actus non facit reum nisi sit rea: An act does not make a person guilty unless he or she has a guilty mind. Each crime has two components: acts res (act of doing something) and mens rea (guilty intent) Children under 12 and people with some severe mental disorders are deemed unable to form mens rea and therefore wilt be held criminally responsible for their actions: nullum crimen sine lege, nulla poena sine lege: No crime without a law, no punishment without a law.
