AQA A Level Psychology - Forensic Psychology Questions and Answers(A+ Solution guide)

Definition of Crime - Culture - Answer Crime varies across different countries and cultures, what one country may be regard as a crime, another may not. Definition of Crime - Age - Answer The age of criminal responsibility in the UK is 10. This is the age at which a child knows the difference between right and wrong and can be charged as a criminal. Definition of Crime - Context - Answer Laws can change over time so some laws that define an act as a crime may change and make that act legal. Definition of Crime - Circumstance - Answer In some situations the legal system can make allowances for a crime depending upon the circumstance. There are 2 core elements that need to be present for an act to be regarded as guilty Definition of Crime - Circumstance (Actus Reus) - Answer The individual has committed the act voluntarily and has not be forced to do so and are in control of what they do. Definition of Crime - Circumstance (Mens Rea) - Answer The individual had an intention of committing the crime. If it was an accident then it can be argued that it wasn't a crime. Official Statistics - Answer A means of measuring crime by collecting data and involves police recording of crime. Official Statistics - Issues - Answer Some types of crime can be difficult to measure. Crimes that are not recorded by the police are not included. Victim Surveys (CSEW) - Answer A means of measuring crime by asking the public of their experiences of crime. It can help to provide an estimate of crime levels but does not cover everybody.Offender Surveys - Answer A means of measuring crime through surveys asking offenders of their drug use and how they victimised people. It can help find unreported crime and provides a more accurate picture of it. The Top-Down Approach - Answer This uses the experience of the profiler to create a profile at the crime scene. It is mainly used by the FBI in America and involves a seven stage process.