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Defining Crime

The definition of what constitutes a crime is dependent on time, culture and age. Forensic psychology uses psychological theories and ideas to explain crime.

Definition of crime

Definition of crime

  • The definition of crime has changed because of alterations in cultural norms, social norms and moral values.
  • The definition of what constitutes a crime is dependent on time, culture and age.
  • Crime can be difficult to define because it is dependent on the social norms of the current period of time.
Cultural relativism

Cultural relativism

  • Crime is also culturally relative.
  • Different cultures have different cultural norms, and so certain acts will be legal in one country but illegal in another. For example:
    • Same-sex marriage is legal in the UK, but homosexuality is still illegal in some countries.
    • In the UK, a person must be at least 16 years old to marry. In Saudi Arabia, there is no legal minimum.
Relevance of age

Relevance of age

  • Finally, the definition of crime will depend on the age of the offender.
  • A toddler who steals an apple would not be a criminal. This is because intent and deliberation are necessary.
  • The toddler may not have known they were committing a crime, so would not be accused of doing so.
  • In the UK, children under the age of 10 are not considered legally responsible for any crimes they commit.
Jump to other topics
1

Social Influence

2

Memory

3

Attachment

4

(2026 Exams) Psychopathology

5

(2027 Exams) Clinical Psychology & Mental Health

6

Approaches in Psychology

7

Biopsychology

8

Research Methods

8.1

Research Methods

8.2

Scientific Processes

8.3

Data Handling & Analysis

8.4

Inferential Testing

9

Issues & Debates in Psychology (A2 only)

10

Option 1: Relationships (A2 only)

10.1

Relationships: Sexual Relationships (A2 only)

10.2

Relationships: Romantic Relationships (A2 only)

10.3

(2026 Exams) Relationships: Virtual (A2 only)

10.4

(2027 Exams) Relationships: Online (A2 only)

11

Option 1: Gender (A2 only)

12

Option 1: Cognition & Development (A2 only)

13

Option 2: Schizophrenia (A2 only)

14

Option 2: Eating Behaviour (A2 only)

15

Option 2: Stress (A2 only)

16

Option 3: Aggression (A2 only)

17

Option 3: Forensic Psychology (A2 only)

18

Option 3: Addiction (A2 only)

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