Crime and the Law

Introduction
• In a democracy we all have rights as well as responsibilities. For
example, we have the right to vote and choose who represents us; we
have the right to freedom of speech through which we can criticise
the Government; we have the right to Protest and make our feelings
about politics and social issues known.

• In order for people’s right to be respected and upheld we need a

system of rules and laws.
• Most people accept that rules and laws are necessary in order to
prevent a complete breakdown of law and order. This is known as
anarchy.
Throughout this unit whenever you see
this icon you have to copy the
information on the slide
 Definitions

Crime: ‘an action or omission which constitutes an offence and is punishable by

law.’

Laws are not made by the police, they are made by the
Government, a government that we have democratically elected.
We may not personally agree with a law but there are democratic
Opportunities for us to change it.

It is the job of the Police to prevent people from breaking the laws and
to investigate cases when the law has been broken.

Criminal law deals with
identifying when the law
Criminal law
has been broken and
prosecuting offenders.
There are different levels
of severity of crime from
driving offenses to rape
and murder.
Civil law affects our daily
lives, personal
relationships within
families and among
Vs neighbours.
For example, if there was
Civil Law a dispute over a tree
blocking light into a
neighbour’s house, it
would be dealt with by
civil law
Copy the mind map on the following slide and include
any other crimes you can think of.
Anti-Social Murder Mugging
Behaviour
Theft
Hate Crime

Crimes Drugs

Knife Crime Assault

Domestic
Violence
 1. Knife Crime
• One type of crime is knife crime

• This is seen as a crime of violence. This type of crime could involve

possessing a knife, selling a knife, using or attempting to use a knife. All
of these offences will result in a criminal record and can also result in a
prison sentence.

• For example, in Scotland someone caught in possession of a knife can be

given a 4 year prison sentence regardless of whether they planned to
use the knife or not.
 What has
happened to
knife crime
over time?
Some of the UK’s
victims of knife
crime in
2019.
Based on the
images make a
conclusion about
which groups may
be more likely to
be a victim of
knife crime
• Knife crime has become a major problem as it is rising in
England and Wales.

• The number of knife attacks in many areas of England has

dramatically increased over the last year. Fatal stabbings
have been a major issue in areas like London. This has
tended to involve young people.

• For example, there were 40,920 knife and offensive weapon

offences recorded in 2022 in England and Wales
 Metropolitan Police:
Responses to Knife Crime
In your jotter, create the following 4 subheadings. You will be adding notes under these
headings so make sure to leave space (2 headings to a page)

-Problem of Knife Crime

-Police Strategies
-Family/Community Response
-Effectiveness of Police? (Criticisms and positives?)

As you watch, make sure to take notes under these headings. These will happen in no
particular order
 What is Drug Crime
• Drug Crime is a major issue in the UK

• This can involve possession of drugs, supply of drugs or allowing

your premises to be used for the purpose of drug taking. Drugs
have different ratings from Class A to Class C and sentences are
different depending on which drugs are involved. Many violent
crimes can be linked to the supply of drugs.

• For example, possessing a Class A drug can result in a 7 year

sentence and supply of Class A can result in a life sentence
depending on the amount involved.
 Category of Drug Punishment

Class A Possession: Up to 7 years in prison or unlimited fine (or

Heroin, cocaine, LSD, ecstasy, both)
morphine Supply: Up to life imprisonment

Class B Possession: Up to 5 years in prison or unlimited fine (or

Speed, cannabis, amphetamine, both)
Supply: up to 14 years imprisonment

Class C Possession: Up to 2 years in prison or unlimited fine (or

GHB, temazepam, Valium, both) This includes valium and tamazepam if acquired
without prescription
Ta ble 1a: Numbe r of se izure s from supply crimes, by fina ncia l ye ar - Class A drugs1

Drug 2014-15 2015-16 2016-17 2017-18

Cocaine Powder 366 506 488 543
Crack Cocaine 3 25 85 70
Ecstasy-type Substances 89 148 150 143
Heroin 553 737 815 826
LSD 3 6 9 3
Methadone 34 11 12 9
Morphine 3 18 3 6

Ta ble 1b: Quantity se ize d from supply crimes, by financia l yea r- Cla ss A drugs

Drug Units 2014-15 2015-16 2016-17 2017-18

Cocaine Powder kg 75.7 82.7 120.3 74.4
Crack Cocaine kg 0.0 4.2 5.2 6.7
Ecstasy-type Substances tablets (000s) 15.1 13.4 8.6 25.4
Heroin kg 106.1 74.0 54.1 118.6
LSD tablets/other units (000s) 0.1 0.0 0.1 0.1
Methadone litres 8.1 4.3 1.1 1.1
Morphine litres 0.1 0.0 0.6 0.0

Drug Seizures in Scotland

Literacy: Seizure - the action of capturing someone or something using force
 Starter
What conclusion can be made about drug deaths in Scotland
compared to other countries?
Drug problem in Scotland
 Drug Crime is a problem
• Problem: Illegal drug use is a rising problem in Scotland.

• Scotland has the highest rate of drug related deaths in Europe and
figures of police seizures of illegal drugs have significantly increased
suggesting drug use is a growing problem.

• For example, as of 2021 Scotland drug death rate was more than
three-and-a-half times that of England and Wales.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-58024296
 What is Domestic Violence
• Domestic violence is a significant issue in the
UK
• This involves any incidents of controlling,
threatening behaviour or abuse of partners
or family members. This can result in a
criminal charge or a prison sentence.
• For example, in 2018 controlling behaviour by
a partner was added to domestic violence
offences as well as physical violence and
threats.
Don’t Copy
 Domestic Violence is a problem
• The significant figures of domestic abuse highlights this
crime is a problem in Scotland.

• ‘The Domestic Abuse (Scotland) Act 2018’ criminalised

controlling behaviours of offenders such as restricting
your partner’s access to money and repeatedly putting a
partner down through insults.

• For example, the police recorded 64,807 incidents of

domestic abuse in 2021-22.
 Exam Style Question
1. Describe, in detail, TWO types of crime in the UK. (4 MARKS)

2. Describe, in detail, two ways that highlight that crime in

Scotland and/or the UK is a problem. (6 MARKS)
 Poster Task
• Choose one of the crimes we have been studying (knife crime,
drug crime or domestic violence) and make a poster detailing
the following:

• A description of the crime

• Why it is a problem in the UK and/or Scotland
• Any examples or figures relating to the crime
• Any additional facts you would like to include.
 Reasons why crime is increasing
While crime overall has declined since the 1980s, official statistics
highlight there have been a number of types of crimes which have been
increasing in the UK in recent years.
Why?
Explain: Researchers and critics have argued that budget cuts to the
police in recent times can help to explain why overall crime figures have
been rising.
Examples
• Incidents of theft have increased 13% and fraud has risen 17%
since 2017 in England and Wales (Source: ONS)
• Violent Crime recorded by police in England in Wales has risen 19% in
a year (Source: Home Office)
 Reasons why crime is increasing
• Crimes of indecency have also been on the rise over
the past few years
• Explain: Research is suggesting more victims are
coming forward with historical sex offence cases from
the past which helps explain this rise.

• For example, recorded sexual offences increased by

17% in England and Wales in the last year (Source:
ONS)
 Exam Style Question
1. Describe, in detail, TWO types of crime in the UK. (4 MARKS)

Create a very detailed mind map of THREE types of crime in the

UK.
Evidence of falling crime levels
in the UK
 Knife Crime has decreased in Scotland
Point: In Scotland there has been a reduction in knife crime in recent
years due to investment in initiatives.

• Explain: The Scottish Violence Reduction Unit (SVR) set up in 2005

works in communities, with schools, with social services and with the
NHS to try and create joined up way of tackling the problem.

• Also, the Scottish Government has provided more than £2 million of

funding to No Knives, Better Lives in the past five years, and are
committed to rolling out the programme across Scotland.
• Example: These initiatives have helped reduce knife crime as murders
from knives more than halved between 2005 and 2018 (from 137 to 59)
 Types of Hate Crime?

Acts of
Nationality
racism

Hate
Crime

Disability Acts of
homophobia
 Religious Hate crime has decreased in
Scotland
• There is evidence to show that while many hate crimes are increasing,
religious hate crime in Scotland is on the decrease.

• Crimes aggravated by religious prejudice their lowest since 2004-

2005. This could be related to programmes such as Nil By Mouth as
well as a wider Scottish Government campaign to reduce HC called
‘Dear Haters’

• For example, there were nearly 900 offences recorded in 2011/12 and
this fell to 529 by 2018/19
• https://onescotland.org/campaigns/hate-crime-campaign/
 Exam Style Question
Your teacher may now wish you to complete the 2017
SQA past paper Support and Oppose question in the
crime and law section
 Why do official crime figures need to be treated with
caution?
Point Explain
Statistics are not always accurate Official statistics only show crimes
which have been recorded by the
police, but the figure in reality is often
higher.
Example
It is estimated sexual crime attacks are
higher than official statistics because
many victims are reluctant to go to the
police as often there are not
witnesses.

Many crimes go unreported.
Many people choose not to report
certain crimes for personal
reasons such as knowing their
attacker
People who suffer crime such as
domestic abuse often do not
report it because they are worried
about the consequences for
themselves or loved ones.

People may not know they are
the victims of a crime
Perpetrators often use
sophisticated ways to deceive
people and take their money
both online and through
business deals without victims
knowledge
Crimes such as online theft and
embezzlement are often
committed without victim’s
knowledge. The elderly are
particularly vulnerable to this
 Exam Style Question
• Explain, in detail, why official crime figures
need to be treated with caution (8)
 Causes of Crime- Don’t copy
• There are two main schools of thought about the reasons why people commit
crimes. One is called ‘Individualist theory’ and the other ‘Collectivist theory’
• Individualist theory believe that an individual is responsible for his or her actions
and makes the decision to commit crimes. It is argued these people believe that a
thief steals because they enjoy it or get some sort of reward from it.
• For example, Italian criminologist Cesare Lombroso (1835-1909) claimed
criminals were biologically less evolved. This meant they were less intelligent
than normal humans and did whatever they could to survive, even if this meant
stealing or killing. Below are pictures of what Lombroso imagined criminals to
look like.
 Causes of Crime- Don’t copy
• Others however, criticise this view arguing individuals are
pressured into committing a crime because of factors out with their
control.
• Some criminologists suggest that society plays a part in shaping
criminals. There are many explanations about how society can
shape criminals, and it is often the case that many factors combine
together to lead someone to commit crimes
 Causes of Crime

• With the person next to you try to write down as

many reasons as you can which may lead people to
commit crime (for example, poverty)
 Causes of Crime
• These can be divided into 3 headings:

• Biological Causes

• Economic Causes

• Social Causes
 Economic causes of crime
Poverty
 People from poor backgrounds are more likely to be unemployed or

living in poverty and some commit crimes in order to make money

which can help improve their life circumstances.
 For example, Robbery, illegal selling of goods

and mugging can often be committed due to poverty

Greed
• Some people commit crimes of greed as they want to improve their
lives by attaining something illegally such as more money or
valuables.
• For example, many white collar crimes such as embezzlement and
fraud are committed by wealthy or middle class individuals.
 Economic causes of crime
Social Exclusion
 People who do not attend school or are unemployed are not active

during normal working hours and often do not have steady incomes.
This can lead to that ‘spare time’ being used in inappropriate ways –
i.e criminal activity

 For example, petty crimes like theft and drug use are far more
common amongst the socially excluded.
 Biological Causes of Crime
• Some argue there are genes that make some people more likely to commit
crimes
• Some genes such as the MAOA gene (also known as the ‘warrior gene’) that
are passed down from parents have been linked to problems with impulse
control.
• For example, according to the BBC studies found those with the warrior
genes were 13 times more likely to have a past of recurring violent
behaviour.

Your teacher may wish to show you this clip explaining the warrior gene (4
minutes)
• https://psychlite.wordpress.com/2015/09/19/the-warrior-gene-a-genetic-predisposi
tion-for-violence/
 Case Study: Warrior gene used by in court to
lessen murder sentence
• Bradley Waldroup shot his wife’s friend eight times. Then he attacked
his wife with a machete. His wife survived. Her friend did not.

• Waldroup admitted responsibility for the crimes; prosecutors in

Tennessee charged him with murder and attempted first-degree
murder. If guilty, a death sentence looked likely.

• But his defence team decided to ask for a scientific assessment.

Waldroup had an unusual variant of the (MAOA) gene – dubbed the
“warrior gene” by some in the media because of its association with
antisocial behaviour including impulsive aggression.
• His lawyers argues Waldrouphad less control over his actions as a
result of this.

• After 11 hours of deliberation, the jury had reached a decision:

voluntary manslaughter, not murder.
 Biological Causes of Crime

• Another biological cause linked to crime is higher

testosterone levels
• High levels of the hormone testosterone are linked to
aggression and there is evidence that testosterone is
especially important in violent offences including domestic
violence or assault.

• For example, males are statistically much more likely to

commit violent crimes than women and some research
suggests this may be due to having significantly higher
testosterone levels.
 Biological Causes of Crime
• Some people believe that criminals are ‘born evil’

• This means that they are biologically distinct from non-

criminals and have psychopathic traits that make them more
likely to commit crime.

• For example, they would argue that criminals have no

choice, it is ‘nature’ and they have no control over it.
 Social causes of crime

Drug and alcohol abuse

• Alcohol abuse is linked strongly to crimes of violence.
Alcohol and drugs may create a dysfunctional family unit
from which children are more likely to turn to crime
• For example, according to the Scottish Government 62%
(nearly two thirds) of murders between 2020-21 were
reported to have been under the influence of alcohol or
drugs
 Social Causes of Crime
Negative role models
Crime can often be a family issue as poor role models can lead to
crime becoming a cycle as young people copy their behaviour. Families
where drug use or alcohol abuse are common, can also play a part
• For example, crimes associated with anti-social behaviour often
continue through generations.
• According to the VRU 40% of prisoners in the UK experienced
abuse in childhood
Peer Pressure
• Many young people, in particular, can turn to crime due to gang
involvement or being ‘egged –on’ by friends
• For example, crimes such as vandalism, underage drinking and drug
use are often as a result of peer pressure
 Exam Style Questions
1. Explain, in detail, two reasons why some people commit
crime as a result of economic issues. (6)

2. Explain, in detail, two reasons why some people commit

crime as a result of biological issues. (6)

3. Explain, in detail, two reasons why some people commit

crime as a result of social issues. (6)
 Youth Crime
There are some crimes which are more likely to be committed by young people.
These include:

Knife Crime

Truancy Under-age
smoking

Anti-Social
Behaviour Drinking on the
streets

Under-age Vandalism
drinking
 Paired task
• With the person beside you try to come up with an example
for at least 3 crimes a young person may commit.

For instance: “Some young people are not interested or

dislike school and so decide to deliberately truant and hang
out with friends. This can sometimes involve other illegal
activities such as underage drinking.”
Youth Crime Case Study: Video

BBC iPlayer - Teenage Knife Wars

Homework Time
Describe, in detail, two crimes commonly
committed by young people (4)
 EXAM STYLE QUESTION: options

You will now spend one period completing an

options question on knife crime from MODEL
PAPER 2.
 Impact of Crime
• In the next few lessons we will examine the impact of crime on
different groups:

• Victims
• Perpetrators
• Families
• Community
• Wider Society

Starter
Try to think of at least way each of these groups is negatively impacted
by crime
 Why are Victims impacted by
Crime?
• Victims may be more affected by crime due to fear.
• Victims of assault may be fearful that it could happen again and may
therefore be afraid to leave their home.
• For example, they may have alarm systems fitted in their home, at a cost,
in order to try and feel more secure.

• It may negatively impact their mental health.

• Victims may experience flashbacks or develop post-traumatic stress as a
result of their ordeal and this can impact their lives.
• For example, mental health issues may have a lasting affect on their
relationships with others or ability to work.
 Why are perpetrators impacted by
crime?
If they are found guilty they may face a prison sentence.
• This can have serious negative implications on their life in regards to their
relationships which could then lead to isolation and mental health issues
which may hinder their rehabilitation.
• For example, through their actions criminals may lose contact with their
families and friends

• A lack of career opportunities.

• Employers are often reluctant to employ someone who has a criminal record
as they may not feel they can trust them which may make it difficult to get a
job.
• For example, offenders may find themselves facing unemployment and may
then struggle to keep their homes as a result
 What is the Impact of Crime on
communities?
• They will gain a negative reputation.
• People may start to stereotype individuals from areas of
high crime, leading to social problems and a lack of
opportunities there.
• For example, businesses will not want to set up in areas with
high crime rates, which will limit employment opportunities.
 What is the Impact of Crime on
communities?
• Fear is created in the community.
• An outbreak of violent crime in an area will lead some in the
community to be less likely to leave their homes in the
evenings or allow their children out as they may be
concerned for their safety.
• This may lead to people moving homes to feel more safe and
house prices in the area are likely to fall
 What is the Impact of Crime on
communities?
• It can negatively impact the economy of an area.
• Repeated vandalism and robbery can lead to financial
difficulty or closure of businesses and facilities such as
parks.
• For example, the London Riots in 2011 resulted in millions of
pounds worth of damage to many businesses in areas such as
Tottenham.
 The murder of Jamie Bulger
James Bulger was a young boy aged 2 from Kirkby, Merseyside. He was abducted whilst out shopping
with his mum the New Strand Shopping Centre in 1993. He was violently tortured and his mutilated
body was found 4 km from the shopping centre two days after he was reported missing.
One of the most shocking discoveries of this awful crime was the two people arrested for his murder
were two ten year old boys, Robert Thompson and John Venables. They were convicted of murder 24th
November 1993 and became the youngest convicted murderers in British history.
This crime shocked not only the local community but the entire country and parents were clearly
concerned regarding the safety of their children. The pair were released from prison in June 2001 and
were given new identities. However, John Venables was convicted again in 2010 of offences which
violated the licence he had been released under
 Case Study The London Riots
Between 6 -10 August 2011, we estimate that 13,000 – 15,000 people were actively involved in the
riots. The violence started in Hackney after man, Mark Duggan was shot dead by police. Groups of
people began attacking the police in Hackney at about 16:20, throwing stones and a bin at officers in
protest.

With the help of social media, the rioting soon gained momentum and had spread to many areas of the
capital. By now the rioters were not only attacking police, they were involved in arson attacks on
private business and looting many shops. By 8th August this violence had spread to other UK cities as
far north as Manchester where ‘copycat’ riots were taking place.

The riots resulted in millions of pounds worth of damage to businesses and homes and 5 people lost
their lives. The police worked tirelessly to arrest those responsible. This involved tracking down as
many people as possible who had used social media to spread the riots and as well as those who were
involved in the violent activities of the campaign. By 15th August 2011 as many as 3100 had been
arrested and the investigation was still very much ongoing.
Your teacher may now wish to show you a
documentary either on the Jamie Bulger case or
the London Riots to look in more detail about the
impact of crime on victims, perpetrators and
communities
 EXAM STYLE QUESTION: options

You should now complete the Option Question on Legal Highs

from the 2016 Past Paper
 Starter
1. Give two social causes of crime

2. Give a reason why crime may impact:

A) A victim
B) A perpetrator
C) A community

3. Name two crimes commonly committed by young people

 Why is wider society impacted by
crime?
• One way wider society is impacted by crime is due to the
cost of crime to businesses
• Increasingly thieves are looking to use the internet to
commit crime. Cybercrime mainly involves stealing highly
confidential information. Access to this can result in thieves
stealing vast amounts of money.
• For example, in 2015, the cost of business crime in Scotland
was over £5 billion.
Why is wider society impacted by
crime?
• Tax payers are also impacted by crime. Both the Scottish
and UK governments spend billions of pounds dealing with
the consequences of crime.
• To do this, government must either increase taxes or spend
more from the tax revenues (money) they already collect.
Therefore, if crime levels rise, there will be less money for
education and healthcare.
• For example, the cost of policing in Scotland in 2015 was
£1.75 billion.
 Impact of crime on families
• Families of victims experience a negative emotional impact
• If a victim has been killed the family may struggle to cope
emotionally with this loss, especially having the loved one
missing from key life events such as birthdays and weddings.
• For example, a relative of 6 year old Aliesha McPhail spoke
to newspapers after her murder to say the family was
devastated and struggled to get back to normal life after
their terrible loss.
 Impact of crime on families
• The families of offenders may struggle financially
• If an offender is unable to work due to a prison sentence,
their family often struggle with the loss of income.
Additionally, it can be expensive and time consuming to visit
prisoners if the prison is far away.
• For example, an offender’s family may be unable to pay bills
or be forced to move home if they cannot afford to keep up
payments
 Exam Style Questions
1. Describe, in detail, two consequences of crime on a
community (6)
2. Describe, in detail, two consequences of crime for the victim
(6)
3. Describe, in detail, two consequences of crime for the
perpetrator(4)

Homework: Describe, in detail, two consequences of crime for

wider society (6)
 Exam Style Questions
Your teacher may now wish you to complete the
Support and Oppose Question on crime in the
2017 Past Paper
 Crime and the Law Starter
1. Give a reason why you think each of the following groups are more
likely to experience higher levels of crime:
• Young people
• Poor people
• Men

2. What do you think should be the age of criminal responsibility in

Scotland? (give a reason for your answer)
 Groups more likely to be affected
by crime
Ethnic Minorities
• One reason why this group is impacted is discrimination in the
justice system.
• People from Black and Ethnic Minority communities are
disproportionately targeted by the police, more likely to be
imprisoned and more likely to be imprisoned for longer than white
British people.
• For example, Black people are 4 times as likely as white people to
be stopped and searched by the police
• BAEM groups also make up 26% of the prison population in the UK
despite only making up 9% of the population. (2018)
 Groups more likely to be affected
by crime
Ethnic Minorities
• Ethnic minorities are also more likely to fall victim to crime
than white people
• The higher chances of them falling victims to crime has to
do with the areas in which they live – ethnic minorities are
more likely to live in deprived areas where there is more
crime taking place.
• For example, 19% of ethnic minorities reported being
victims of crime in 2015-16, compared with 15 %for white
people. (source: Independent)
 Youth and Crime
• Young people are impacted by crime as they are more likely to
commit crime.
• They are thus more likely than older counterparts for crime
to negatively impact their lives in terms of having a criminal
record.
• Evidence indicates that younger people commit crimes for
reasons including peer pressure, poor role models and poverty.
• For example, according to the Independent under-18s were
convicted or cautioned in relation to a total of
70,349 crimes in England and Wales in 2017-18.  
 Youth and Crime
• Additionally, young people are impacted by crime as they are
more likely to be the victims of crime.
• A key reason for this is that young people can be more
vulnerable than other groups in society which makes them
less likely to report crimes and more likely to experience
repeated violence.
• For example, The Office of National Statistics (2018)
found adults aged 16 to 24 years were more likely to be
victims of violence than those in older age groups
 Gender and Crime
• Men are more likely to be the perpetrators of crime in the UK.

• Some researchers argue this is due to the ‘macho’ stereotype

or higher levels of testosterone that leads men to believe they
have to behave more aggressively. This means they are more
likely face punishments like prison.

• For instance, according to the Prison Reform Trust males made

up 95% of prison inmates in England and Wales in 2015 and
91% of prisoners in Scotland.
 Gender and Crime
• Men are also more likely to be the victims of crime outside
domestic abuse cases.
• For example, according to the Home Office Homicide Index
(2018) show that 69% of homicide victims were male and 31%
were female.
 Social class and crime
• Evidence shows social class can have an impact on the
chances of becoming a victim of crime.
• There are more victims of crime in deprived areas. This is
due to higher levels of social problems, boredom and poverty
leading people to commit crimes.
• For example, people living in poor areas of Glasgow such as
Drumchapel are more likely to be the victim of crimes like
theft or assault than those living in richer areas like
Bearsden.
 Social class and crime
High unemployment
• Many poor areas have higher unemployment rates which can lead to
social exclusion, increasing criminal activities.
• Crimes such as drug use are more likely to be committed in areas of
high unemployment because this can lead to some look for an ‘escape’
through drugs or alcohol abuse.

For example, unemployed people are over represented in prison. 13%

of people in prison have never had a job; only 4% of the general
population have never worked (Prison Reform Trust, 2015)
 Time for a documentary

Your teacher may wish to show you clips from the BBC
panorama ‘Trouble on the estate’ which looks at the reasons
why those in deprived areas are more likely to be affected by
crime, particularly young people
 Homework Question

• Explain, in detail, two reasons why some

groups of people are affected by crime more
than others (6)
 Starter
1.Give a reason why the following are causes of criminal behaviour:
A) Poverty
B) Drug and alcohol abuse
C) Poor role models

2. Name two groups more likely to be affected by crime

 Think, pair and share

With the person next to you try to come up

with as many jobs or roles that the Police do
 What are the
Roles of the Police?
Maintain law and order
This is done by the Police ensuring they are visible on the streets or at events.
For example, the Police may be present at a football match like Old Firm games
in Glasgow to deter fights or sectarian chanting breaking out

To detect crimes
This is done by carrying out investigations, interviewing witnesses, sending
forensic teams to the crime scene and processing evidence. Many of these tasks
are carried out by Crime Investigation Department. (C.I.D)
For example, the police may dust a house for fingerprints and evidence after a
murder has taken place.
Crime prevention
This can be achieved by visiting schools and helping support neighbourhood
watch programmes or promoting and enforcing government initiatives like
tackling knife crime.
For example, members of the Police may attend a local school to speak about
the ‘No Knives, better lives campaign’ to try and help reduce the number of
young people carrying knives.
To ensure the roads are safe.
This is mainly carried out by a designated branch called ‘Traffic Police’ who
focus on crimes committed on the roads.
For example, the Police may stop a car for dangerous driving like speeding or
driving under the influence which could affect others safety.
The Powers of the Police
 Time for a documentary

Your teacher may now wish to show you clips from the
documentary ‘Coppers’ from the Crime and Law clips folder
which follows a police force in England carrying out various
different roles.
Starter
Below are some Police Abbreviations.
In groups, note down as many definitions of these abbreviations as you can.

1. ASBO 1. MISPER
2. CCTV 2. NCIS
3. CID 3. RTC
4. CPS 4. SB
5. D&D 5. SGT
6. DCI 6. SIO
7. DI 7. TWOC
Answers
● ASBO - Anti Social Behaviour
Order
● CCTV - Closed Circuit Television
● CID - Criminal Investigation
Department
● CPS - Crown Prosecution Service
● D & D - Drunk and Disorderly
● DCI - Detective Chief Inspector
● DI - Detective Inspector
● MISPER - Missing Person
● NCIS - National Criminal
Intelligence Service
● RTC - Road Traffic Collision
● SB - Special Branch
● SGT - Sergeant
● SIO - Senior Investigating Officer
● TWOC - Taking Without Owner's
Consent
 Power to Arrest
• The police can arrest someone who has committed a crime or
someone they suspect of having committed a crime. The police will
usually have to have a warrant to arrest a suspect but there are some
circumstances where an arrest can be made on the spot.
• For example, 31 year old John Leathem from Clydebank was arrested
and later charged in connection with the murder of 16 year old Paige
Docherty in 2016 after forensic evidence linked him to the scene of
the crime
 Power to Gather Evidence
• Describe: The police may gather evidence such as photos,
fingerprints, saliva samples and footprints. Forensic services include –
Scene Examination, Chemistry, Biology, DNA, Drugs, Fingerprints,
Specialist Services (toxicology, firearms, documents and handwriting)

• For example, analysing CCTV and DNA found on 6 year old Alesha
MacPhail remains led to the arrest and conviction of 16 year old Arron
Campbell in 2019. Campbell was given a life sentence for his crime.
 Power to Stop and Search
Describe: A police officer can stop and question you in the
street if you are suspected of committing an offence or the
officer believes that you have witnessed a possible offence.

For example, a police officer can search your clothes, bag

or vehicle if they suspect you of having weapons, illegal
drugs or stolen property in your possession.
 EXAM STYLE QUESTION:KU

1. Describe, in detail, two roles of the Police (6)

2. Describe, in detail, 2 powers of the Police (6)
 The Structure of the Police

From 2013 the police forces across Scotland were combined to create ONE
single force. There were previously 8 forces including Strathclyde Police, the
largest force in Scotland.
Why has the Police force in Scotland moved to a single force?
The Scottish Government believed that one force was sufficient for a country the size of
Scotland.
. will allow policies and initiatives to be carried out with more uniformity and a single
This
force will also be able to manage intelligence better and tackle crime more effectively
For example, Police in Glasgow can now pass information more easily to those in other
parts of the country such as the Highlands as part of a single force.

A single police force will also be more financially efficient.

For example: It is estimated it will save the country over £1.4 billion over the next 4
years
From 8 police To 1 single police force
divisions across whole of Scotland
Structure of the Police
• There are 13 local policing divisions under Police Scotland.
• Each division has response officers, community officers, local crime
investigation, road policing, public protection and local intelligence.

• There are also national specialist divisions under Police Scotland.

• For example, The Specialist Crime Division (SCD) provides specialist
investigative functions such as major crime investigation and counter
terrorism.
Structure of the Chief Constable
Police

Deputy Chief Assistant Chief

Directors
Constables Constable

Special
Police officers Police staff
constables
 13 Local policing divisions – Each
headed by a Local Police Commander

Response Community Local Crime

Officers Officers Investigation

Public Local
Road Policing
Protection intelligence
 TASK Police Scotland Information Leaflet

In your leaflet you must include:

• History of Police Scotland (the change in structure since

2013)
• Roles of the Police (at least 2 – add description!)
• Powers of the Police (at least 2 – add description!)
• High profile crimes they have dealt with since 2013
• Criticisms and benefits of Police Scotland
 Effective Police Policies to tackle
crime
Community Policing strategies
• The Police aim to build relationships in local areas through
education, neighbourhood watch schemes and being present
‘on the beat.’ This is effective as it allows the police to solve
local issues and specific problems through building trust
with communities.
• For example, a recent initiative saw all schools employ a
campus police officer.This was designed to help build
positive relationships with police and young people.
 Effective Police Policies to tackle
crime
Proactive Policing
• Police target known criminals, especially those involved in
organised crime, using modern technology such as phone
bugging, CCTV and email hacking which is effective in
preventing some serious crimes or catching criminals in the
act.
• For example, in Edinburgh figures show CCTV resulted in
over 1800 camera-assisted arrests in 2017, highlighting the
effectiveness of new technology to assist police.
 Effective Police Policies to tackle
crime
Zero tolerance
• Under this initiative crime hotspots (areas where crime
often take place) will have increased surveillance and police
presence. This is effective as a deterrent as individuals
caught carrying out a crime will often be given the most
severe punishment available.
• For example, a zero tolerance policy is often employed to
combat alcohol related crimes in city centre areas such as
Glasgow and Edinburgh on weekends.
 Effective Police Policies to tackle
crime
Scottish Violence Reduction Unit.

• The SRVU is a national centre of expertise on violence. Part of

Police Scotland, the VRU targets violence wherever it occurs
whether its on the streets, in schools or in homes. This is
effective as it has helped reduce violent crime in hotspot areas
such as Glasgow and help give offenders ‘a way out’ of violence.

• For example, serious assault and attempted murder cases fell

by 35% between 08/09 and 17/18 according to BBC.
 Starter Activity: Stop and Search Debate
• One of the more recent powers the police officers have gained is the ability to ‘Stop
and Search’ people. Police in England and Wales have being given greater stop and
search powers in 2019 to tackle rising knife crime.
• For example, there will be a lower threshold. Police will only need to reasonably believe
serious violence "may" occur, not that it "will"

However, this has come under a great deal of scrutiny and it’ success has been debated.
• Your teacher may now choose to lead the class in a debate regarding the advantages
and disadvantages of ‘Stop and Search.’ More information can be found on the following
slides
• Your teacher may also wish to show you this clip on Stop and Search
• https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-47760645
• Or the Channel 4 documentary “The Truth about police stop and search.”
 Make a table in your jotter:
On one side put advantages of Stop and Search and on the other Disadvantages.
Put the information below under the correct heading

• It protects the public by prevent potential crimes by stopping

offenders with weapons or drugs
• It can negatively affects police community relationships, particularly in
inner city areas
• Around 17% of searches resulted in arrests, which is a rise from 9% in
2008.
• It acts as a deterrent, putting people off carrying a knife or drugs as
they do not want a criminal record
• Black people remain much more likely to be stopped and searched than
white people, and this gap has widened in the most recent year we have
figures for.
 Reasons why the Police in Scotland have
been less effective in tackling crime
• One police policy some consider to be ineffective is stop and
search as certain groups feel they are unfairly targeted
• Stop and search remains very controversial because some groups
such as young people and ethnic minorities believe they are
disproportionately targeted by the Police for searches due to
discrimination.
• In 2015 it emerged that hundreds of children and thousands of
teenagers had been routinely searched in Scotland without any
evidence of wrongdoing
Reasons why the Police in Scotland have
been less effective in tackling crime
• Critics believe Police Scotland is too big and links
with local communities have been lost
• Criticisms have been made that Police Scotland is
unresponsive to local community needs and are not
addressing local problems with crime adequately as a
result.
• For example, law and order issues in inner city areas
like Glasgow or Edinburgh are very different from
those of Kirkudbright, Elgin, Stornoway or Kirkwall.
Reasons why the Police in Scotland have
been less effective in tackling crime
• People have criticised Police Scotland due to budget cuts.

• One reason why Police Scotland was created was to

reduce police budgets and become more streamlined
however many have argued that this has resulted in
poorer responses to crime.

• For example, in 2015 Police Scotland failed to respond to

reports of a road accident that led John Yuill and Lamara
Bell being trapped in a car for three days and dying. Lack
of training and a poor call-handling system were blamed.
 Exam Style Questions
1. Describe, in detail, the structure of Police Scotland (4)
2. Explain, in detail, why the police are effective in tackling
crime (8)

3. Explain, in detail, why the police are ineffective in tackling

crime (8)
Lesson 16- Skills activity
• During this lesson you will answer questions from your crime and law
skills activity booklet

• Your teacher will also give you homework questions during this lesson

Homework
Time
 Lesson 18: CCTV vs Community Policing
Benefits of CCTV
It is successful in preventing crime as it acts as a
deterrent to many people as they are afraid of being
caught on CCTV.
It is useful in helping police convict criminals.
Especially in shopping centres and high streets where
shoplifting and pick pocketing is a problem.
It often makes people feel safer in their local area if
they know they are protected by CCTV.
4. Arguably a more cost effective way of patrolling
the area. The James Bulger case highlighted how
instrumental CCTV could be in capturing criminals in
Criticisms of CCTV
People may not want CCTV in their local
community. Some believe being caught on
CCTV whilst going about their daily duties
can infringe basic privacy and civil
liberties.
It may create new crime hotspots in areas
with little or no CCTV, therefore it simply
moves the problem elsewhere.
It can be very expensive to install and
maintain Especially for smaller businesses.
 Community Policing is another form of policing used with the aim
of helping the public to feel safer and have more confidence in
the police.
Benefits of Community Policing Criticisms of Community Policing
Police can form strong relationships in residential areas This can often be expensive, especially
from a young age. This allows them to get to know local if the area has high crime rates.
issues and specific problems.
Many may not want a strong police
People feel safer in their communities knowing there presence in their local community.
are police on the beat.  
 
This type of policing is also linked to crime prevention.
Young people may respond to initiatives like knife crime
and be less likely to vandalise or get involved in anti-
social behaviour.
Lesson 19- Skills activity
• During this lesson you will answer questions from your crime and law
skills activity booklet

• Your teacher will also give you homework questions during this lesson

Homework
Time
 Lesson 20 Activity- Teach the Class
• Your teacher will divide you into of groups of 5. You will be assigned a particular type of
crime and you provided with notes on this. You will have to teach the class about this
particular crime.

• You will be asked to find out some specific information on this crime and initiatives that
have been used to tackle this crime. You will then present it in a way which is
understandable to the rest of the class. The crimes are:
Knife crime
Alcohol
Drug Crime
Traffic Crime
White Collar Crime

• You will have 3 periods to research, create and present all lessons to the class.
 Your teacher will issue your group with a summary note which
provides you with information regarding your crime. The crimes are:

• You must create a resource which supplies the class with the
information they need about the crime.
• You could do this in the form of a poster/PowerPoint and must ask the
class to answer questions/copy down the most important parts.
• Your teacher will issue you with information on each crime. However,
they must allow you to ‘Tech On’ using your own personal mobile device
to research to topic further.
What should be included in your station

• Explanation of the Crime

• Causes behind the crime
• Specific Examples of the crime
• Impact of the crime
• Initiatives to tackle the crime
• Current issues (recent changes to laws, any debates such as cannabis)

You should also create a summary note for the class and a model KU
answer.
Lesson 23- Skills activity
• During this lesson you will answer questions from your crime and law
skills activity booklet

• Your teacher will also give you homework questions during this lesson

Homework
Time
Criminal Justice System
• Role and structure of the criminal courts (including
the children’s hearing system)
• Powers of the criminal courts (including the children’s
hearing system)
• Effectiveness of criminal courts in tackling crime
There are two types of criminal justice procedure
in Scotland:
• Solemn Procedure – Involves the most serious cases which will be
tried in front of a jury of up to 15 people.

• Summary Procedure– is used for the less serious offences and are
conducted without a jury. 96% of all cases in Scotland are tried using
the summary procedure.
 Lesson 24- The Court System
• The Scottish legal system has various different courts which are run by the Scottish
Courts Service. The main adult courts are:
• The High Court
• The Sherriff Courts
• The Justice of the Peace Courts (formerly District Courts)

• The following slides will provide you with information about each of these. You should
read through the information and take notes on each of these using the table below.
Type of Court
Description
Location
Crimes tried
Sentences given
High Court

The High Court is Scotland's most powerful court and deals with serious crimes.
Trials are often lengthy as there can be a lot of evidence to be heard. A single
judge presides over each case and defendants are tried by a jury under solemn
procedure. The Court sits in the larger towns and cities in Scotland, such as
Edinburgh and Glasgow. The High Court has unlimited sentencing power.

The High Court deals with the most serious crimes such as murder, rape, culpable
homicide, armed robberies and drug trafficking.

As the High Court has unlimited sentencing, this means a judge can give any
punishment he/she sees fit. The average sentence for murder in 2019 was 18
years. (The longest punishment part given in Scotland is 37 years.)
Sheriff Court

The Sheriff Court deals with the majority of crimes committed in Scotland.
There are 49 Sheriff Courts in Scotland, each representing a district or town.
For Example there are Sheriff Courts in Airdrie and Hamilton. The Sheriff
Courts deal with crimes that aren’t serious enough for a high court, e.g. Theft,
assault and possession of drugs.

Sheriff Courts also deal with civil cases such a Divorce and custody cases.
Sheriff Courts deal with summary and solemn cases. In the case of summary
cases a Sheriff can give a prison sentence of up to 12 months and a fine of
£10,000 and in the case of solemn cases can impose an unlimited fine and a
maximum of 5 years in Prison. The Sheriff also has a range of non custodial
sentences to impose too.
Justice of the Peace
The Justice of the Peace Courts have replaced previous District Courts.
These are the lowest level courts and are found in local authorities across
the country. Justice of the Peace courts handle crimes such as breach of
the peace, traffic offences and minor assaults.
Cases are dealt with not by a judge but by a lay justice and a magistrate. A
lay justice can impose a fine of up to £2,500 and a custodial sentence of 60
days and a Magistrate can impose a 12 month prison sentence of a fine of up
to £10,000.

Keywords:
Magistrate – A Type of judge who can only
preside over low level criminal cases.
Lay Justice – A person who is not qualified as
a judge but who can assist and advise when
low level criminals are sentenced.
UK Supreme Court
The UK Supreme Court is the highest court in the UK. As Scotland is
still a part of the UK the Supreme Court can become involved in
Scottish Criminal Cases. The UK Supreme Court resides in London and
is the final court of appeal. This means that someone who has been
found guilty in Scotland can ask the Supreme Court to consider their
case and make a decision about whether or not their verdict was
correct. 12 justices reside in the Supreme Court and each case is heard
by up to five of the Justices. People can also go to the Supreme Court if
they feel that their Human Rights have been violated.
Only Civil Cases from Scotland can be heard by the Supreme Court.
Other criminal cases who seek appeals must visit the Court of Session in
Edinburgh.
Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service
• The Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service is a civil service
department responsible for prosecuting crime in Scotland, the
investigation of sudden or suspicious deaths and complaints about the
Police.
• When a crime occurs, the Police write up a report and this goes to the
Procurator Fiscal, who decides whether or not to prosecute.
• All prosecutions in Scotland are conducted by the Crown Office

James Wolffe the most senior Scottish lawyer

who has served as Lord Advocate for the Crown
since 1 June 2016. He is regularly asked by government
to advise on legal matters as the most senior law officer
in Scotland.
In Scotland there are three possible verdicts. One which
convicts the criminal and two which acquit.

Guilty – After listening to the case and evidence the jury have
decided that the person committed the crime in question and will be
punished accordingly. 8 out of 15 jurors are needed to return this
verdict.
Not Guilty – After listening to the case and evidence the jury
believe that the defendant has not committed the crime and so they
can walk free

Not Proven – This verdict is unique to Scotland and means that while
the Jury believe that the person may have committed the crime they
do not have the evidence to prove this, so the person walks free.
 Famous Not Proven Verdicts
It is believed that Amanda Duffy In 2011, Neil Lennon was assaulted by
was murdered by a man named a Hearts fan on live television.
Frances Auld.
However when the case against John
Frances Auld was tried but a not Wilson went to court it was also met
proven verdict was given and so he with a not proven verdict. This led to
was able to walk away free. many questioning the value of the
verdict

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-edinbu
rgh-east-fife-14732110
 Famous Not Proven Verdicts
One of the most recent high profile cases of
this verdict is the ‘Miss M’ case.

Miss M, who does not share her name in

public, accused Stephen Coxen of raping her
but at trial in 2015 the case was found not
proven. She later successfully sued the
accused perpetrator

In 2019, Miss M has started a campaign to

scrap this verdict as she claims it confuses
the jury and leads them into making an ‘easy’
decision and is therefore not effective

Video Clip https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p06rmnzh

Reform of the ‘not proven verdict’
• In 2022 it was announced that the
SNP would be proposing the end of
the ‘not proven’ verdict as part of a
new Criminal Justice Bill. This
decision gained support from other
parties like the Conservatives.

• This verdict may not be about much

longer!
• Although some have argued it may
lead to more miscarriages of justice
 Class discussion
• As a class, we will have a discussion on the validity of the not
proven verdict.
• Create arguments for and against and find out the
governments position on the verdict.
• https://www.gov.scot/publications/not-proven-verdict-related
-reforms-consultation-analysis/pages/2/#:~:text=Conversely
%2C%20arguments%20for%20keeping%20the,it%20requires%
20to%20be%20changed
.
• https://www.rapecrisisscotland.org.uk/campaigns-end-not-prov
en/
 Why are criminal courts EFFECTIVE in
tackling crime?
• The criminal courts in Scotland are
effective because they have the power
to imprison people.
• The three different types of courts
have different sentencing powers
which they can exercise to punish a
perpetrator of crime. This is effective
as it punishes criminals of different
types of crime.
• For example, the High Court of
Justiciary can impose an unlimited fine
and a life sentence compared to the JP
court which has less power.
• Another way criminal courts in Scotland
are effective is because they have the
power to order restorative justice
measures.
• Restorative justice brings those harmed
by crime and the perpetrator into
communication and allows the victim to tell
the perpetrator how the crime has
impacted them. This is effective as it
helps perpetrators take responsibility for
their actions.
• For example, UK studies found restorative
justice reduces reoffending by 14%.
Why are criminal courts EFFECTIVE in
tackling crime?
• A third way that criminal courts in Scotland are effective in
tackling crime is because judges have freedom to decide the most
appropriate sentence.

• The Scottish Courts have a range of sentencing powers available to

them this is effective in tackling crime because sheriffs and judges
have the opportunity to issue a sentence they think is fair
depending on the circumstances surrounding the offence.

• For example, sentences such as drug treatment or testing orders

can be given to help offenders rehabilitate and prisons can be used
as a last resort or as a further deterrent.
 Why are criminal courts NOT
EFFECTIVE in tackling crime?
• The criminal courts in Scotland are
ineffective in tackling crime due to
short sentences.
• Sentences between three months and
one year may not act as a harsh enough
deterrent and might not be enough
time to rehabilitate crime.
• For example, the Chief Inspector of
Prisons stated that over half of people
who are released from jail after less
than 12 months reoffend within one
year.
• Another reason why criminal courts
in Scotland are ineffective is due
to high rates of re-offending.
• This may suggest that judges are
not sentencing crimes in the most
appropriate sentence in every case.
• For example, one-third of
offenders reoffend within one
year of being released from prison.
Why are criminal courts NOT
EFFECTIVE in tackling crime?
• Another reason why criminal courts in Scotland are ineffective is due to
the not proven verdict.

• Critics of the not proven verdict say that the option of this verdict may
lead jurors to acquittal if there are disagreements about the guilt or
innocence of the accused as it may be the easier decision to make. This
may mean people guilty of the crime may walk free.

• For example, a study carried out by the University of Glasgow in 2019

showed that jurors were less likely to select a guilty verdict if a not
proven verdict was available, particularly during rape and sexual assault
cases.
Lesson 25- Sentencing
• As we are aware a range of sentences are available to those who
are tried in Scottish Courts.

• Take a full page in your jotter and note down the following key
words in the margin.
• Custodial Sentence
• Restriction of Liberty Order
• A Fiscal Work Order
• Fine/Compensation
 Activity: Sentencing Flashcards
• Each person in the group will now be given a flashcard...on this card is
the definition of one of the range of sentences available.
• You should firstly determine which sentence it represents and then
feedback to the rest of your group.
• You should all then work together to solve the rest of the flashcards
until you have a completed note in your jotter.
Skills activity
• For the rest of this lesson you will answer questions from your crime
and law skills activity booklet

• Your teacher will also give you homework questions during this lesson

Homework
Time
Children’s Hearing System
• Now watch the following video which will give you an understanding
of how the system works.

• https://young.scot/information/rights/what-happens-at-a-childrens-
hearing/
Lesson 26- Children’s Hearing System
Scotland is unique as it has a separate panel for children which means they are
treated in accordance with their age. There are a number of reasons a child or
young person (under 16) can be called in front of a Children’s Panel.

These reasons can organised into two main categories

Reasons why a
child can be Due to
For their
referred to action
own
the Hearing they have
safety System taken

Can you think of some reasons under

each of these categories?
 Due to action they
For their own safety
have taken

• They are at risk of mortal • The child is beyond the control of parents
danger or carers

• They are misusing drugs, solvents or

• They are or have been the victim alcohol
of an offence, including physical
injury or sexual abuse • They have broken the law

• They are not attending school without a

• They are likely to suffer serious reasonable excuse
harm to health or development
through lack of care
• They are subject to an antisocial
behaviour order
Who Attends?
 The child who has been referred.
 The parents or guardians, they can be fined if they don’t attend.
They may be asked to leave the room if it allows the child to explain
themselves better
 A social worker may attend.
 A representative from school may also attend (Pupil Support
teacher/Depute Head).
 The press can attend but no personal details about the child may be
published.
 Finally – a children’s panel of 3 members must be mix of men and
women.
 Explain reasons why the Children’s Panel can be
effective when dealing with young people.
POINT: It provides a safe environment to
discuss issues.
EXPLAIN: This is effective as the
child/parents/carers may feel more
comfortable discussing honestly the real
reason why the child has been presented
before the panel. This could then be seen
as a way of helping rather than punishing
the child.
EXAMPLE: For example, the panel may
decide to make a Compulsory Supervision
Order if they feel the child is a danger to
themselves or others
 

In pairs try to come up with explanations for each of these points


• POINT: It requires input from
various agencies to be effective.
• Explain: This is effective as it
allows the panel to gain an overall
view of the youngster and to make
the best decision with all the
necessary information. This also
eliminates any bias from decision
making.
• EXAMPLE: police, social work and
the child's school normally either
attend or produce a report.
POINT: It has the power to remove
children from their homes if they are
seen as ‘at risk’ which protects their
safety.
Explain:If a child is suffering abuse or
neglect at home the Panel may decide
to put them in foster care and
remove them from the home. This is
effective because it immediately
ensures the child is safe from harm.
EXAMPLE:  For example, many children
are removed from the home and
placed in secure and safe foster
homes.
Powers of the Children’s Hearing System

The Panel can come to one of the following decisions

1. A supervision requirement can be made. This means a social worker will be

attached to the family for a specified period. This can take the form of the local
authority social work department supporting the child at home and at school.

2. The child should live away from home with foster parents, in a residential school
or home, or with a relative for their own safety

3. The Antisocial Behaviour (Scotland) Act gives Children's Hearings the power to
restrict a child or young person’s movement. Usually referred to as ‘tagging’, it
involves the use of an electronic tag to monitor a child’s whereabouts.
4. No further action is required
PRISONS
• Purpose and effectiveness of prisons
• Purpose and effectiveness of alternatives to
prisons
Can you list or mind-
map what are some
of the main
purposes of prisons?
Purpose of Prisons
• Ensure criminals are being punished
• Prisons reduce the freedom of
perpetrators including taking them
away from friends and family. Taking
this away from individuals is
punishment for taking part in criminal
offences and forces them to reflect
on their crime.
• For example, prisoners can miss
important events in their friends and
families lives for the actions that
they have taken such as weddings and
funerals.
• Rehabilitate prisoners
• Some argue that prisons should
rehabilitate perpetrators so they do
not go on to break the law again.
Prisons should not encourage
reoffending and rehabilitation is
viewed as a way to stop this
• For example, an individual who has
committed a drug offence could be
offered help with substance abuse
issues so they do not go on to
commit the crime again
Purpose of Prisons
• Act as a deterrent

• Prison reduces the civil liberties of perpetrators and stops them

from doing what they normally would do or what they want to do.
The conditions of prisons should be liveable but far from the
normal conditions that they expect. This should act as a deterrent
to committing criminal offences.

• For example, a perpetrator who has served time in prison should be

aware of how tough a custodial sentence is and should be put off
from ever committing an offence again
  
Custodial v Non-Custodial Sentences
• Prison system has been criticised in recent years and many have
come to argue against the idea of custodial sentences.  However,
many are still very much of the idea that custodial sentences are
the best way to punish criminals.

• Prison is a CUSTODIAL SENTENCE

• This means that you are taken into custody and you are not free to
leave whenever you wish
• Your movements are controlled and your basic rights are affected
• Prison is mainly for those who have committed more serious offences
or those who continually commit less serious offences. These people
are called repeat offenders.
 SHOTTS
Caters for Long Term male
prisoners in a secure environment.
Had room for 537 males.
Prisoners stay here for sentences
of 4 years and above. Also has a
support programme for up to 60
Prisoners who may be struggling
with mainstream prison.
CORTON VALE
This is Scotland’s prison for
females. It is Scotland's only
female prison and so also holds
young offenders and provides all
types of sentencing and
supervision needs. There are 309
places and 24 Independent Living
Units. It also has room for seven
mother and baby places.
 POLMONT
This is a young offenders
institution for males aged between
16 and 21. It holds convicted
prisoners and those on remand.
760 places. Sentences range from
6 months to life but are on
average between 2 and 4 years.
“Most violent prison in Europe.”
BARLINNIE
Receives prisoners from courts in
the west of Scotland. Retains
prisoners serving less than four
years. Manages prisoners serving
longer sentences and allocates
them to suitable prisons when
places become available.
 Arguments for Custodial
Sentences
Acts as a deterrent: The idea of losing their
freedom if caught may make people think twice
about committing crimes. For example, the
maximum penalty for an adult carrying a knife is
4 years in prison and may deter someone from
using a knife to stab another in a fight.
Punishes the criminal: Many feel having your
freedom removed is a suitable punishment for
certain crimes and makes the community feel
safer. For example, Aaron Campbell is currently
serving a 24 year custodial sentence for the
murder of Aliesha MacPhail. Many see this as a
suitable punishment because of the serious
Arguments against Custodial
Sentences
Prison viewed as too lenient: With the use of
TVs and games consoles, many people feel
modern prisoners are not being punished
accordingly. For example, according to the Daily
Mail in 2022 nearly 300 PlayStation’s were
bought for use in Prisons in Scotland in 2021-
2022.
Prisons are expensive to run: Some people
argue prisons are not an effective resource and
the money would be better spent elsewhere.
This money could be better spent on
preventative initiatives to prevent crime
happening in the first place. . For example, the
average annual cost to keep someone in prison is
 Arguments for Custodial Sentences
It keeps people locked up who may
otherwise be committing crimes: Some
argue criminals will simply continue to
act outside the law, causing problems for
society unless imprisoned. Incarcerating
criminals means society feels safer and
the perpetrator is give opportunity for
rehabilitation.
For example, according to YouGov
research (2022) two thirds of Britons
think that the sentences for crimes are
not harsh enough and offenders should
Arguments against Custodial
Sentences
Lack of adequate rehabilitation
programmes: This is a problem as it often
leaves people with no positive destination
when they are released from prison which
can increase the likelihood they will
reoffend. For example, according to the
Scottish Government 28.3% of criminals
reoffend within one year of release due to
issues in post-prison support services.
 Exam Style Question
1. Describe, in detail, the purpose of prisons (6)

2. Explain, in detail, reasons why prisons in the UK could be

considered effective (8)

3. Explain, in detail, reasons why prisons in the UK could be

considered ineffective (8)
 Why are Non-custodial sentences used
instead of custodial in some cases?
Definition: A non custodial sentence is one which does
not involve spending time in prison. An offender will
be given a punishment which must be fulfilled in
society.
 Community Payback Order
• Community Payback Orders can include carrying out hours of unpaid
manual work in the community and being subject to periods of
supervision.
• This is effective as it allows the offender to take responsibility
for their actions in a positive way by giving something back to the
community.
• For example, an offender may be expected to repaint community
centres or churches or pick up litter in a specific area.
 Electronic tagging
• This is when an offender is fitted with an electronic tag to their
ankle. All movements and activities such as tampering with the
equipment are reported to the police.
This is effective because it is a less expensive way to keep track
of offenders and helps reduce overcrowding in prisons.

For example, the tactic has been used on some sexual offenders to
make sure they do not go near schools or areas where children
would be
 Fine/Compensation
• This is when the accused is asked to pay money to their
victim for loss or injury acquired as a result of the crime.
• This is effective because using fines it allows minor crimes to be
punished without having to put people in prisons and for the victim to
be compensated.
• For example, someone who has been convicted of dangerous driving
may pay for court expenses of the person whom they crashed into.
 Quick Quiz
Test your Knowledge
1. Name 3 Scottish courts
2. What is the name of the highest court where appeals are heard in the UK?
3. Give 2 non custodial sentences
4. Name the young offenders institute in Scotland
5. What does CPO stand for?
6. Give an example of a CPO
7. Name 3 purposes of prison
8. Why are electronic tags used instead of prison for some crimes?
9. What is the maximum sentence for carrying a knife?
10. How much does it cost on average to keep an offender in prison for a
year?
 Exam Style Question

• Explain, in detail, two reasons why alternatives to crime are

an effective punishment. (6)
 Government Responses to Crime
• Government Responses
Government responses to crime
Effectiveness of government responses
EFFECTIVE Government Responses to
Crime
• One government response to crime that has been effective is the
introduction of harsher drink-driving laws.

• The legal alcohol limit was reduced from 80mg to 50mg per 100ml of blood
and drivers have been warned that having “no alcohol at all” is the only way
to ensure they stay within the limit.
• This is effective as there is evidence to suggest that people are reducing
their intake of alcohol since this was introduced.

• For example, according to the Independent bars in Scotland have saw sales
drop by 60% in the first two months of the introduction of the new limit.
EFFECTIVE Government Responses to
Crime
• A second effective government response to crime is CashBack for
Communities.

• The government introduced this programme so that money and assets made
by criminals and their organisations can be seized and given to community
based projects.
• This is effective as it stops money that has been illegally earned from
funding further criminal activities.

• For example, more than £18 million was seized from criminals which was
then used to fund projects which targets disadvantaged young people away
from crime.
 EFFECTIVE Government Responses to
Crime
• A final effective response to crime from the Scottish Government
is the Scottish Violence Reduction Unit.

• The SVRU try to prevent violence by working with and educating

local communities and schools.
This is effective as the unit has reduced violent crime and London
has adopted a similar scheme to help approach the increase in knife
crime.
• For example, violent crimes such as homicide have more than
halved in Scotland between 2004-2018.
INEFFECTIVE Government Responses to
Crime
• A Scottish Government approach to crime which has been
ineffective is the introduction of the Alcohol (Minimum Pricing)
(Scotland) Act 2012.

• Critics of the act argue that if people wish to drink alcohol, they
will do so at any cost. It may have some positive impacts but will
not stop all alcohol related crimes.

• For example, there continues to be a strong link between alcohol

and violent crime. In 2019 44% of violent crime in Scotland was
alcohol-related.
INEFFECTIVE Government Responses to
Crime
• A way in which Scottish Government responses have been
ineffective is through the Caledonian System

• The Scottish Government have introduced the Caledonian

System to help tackle domestic abuse and yet domestic abuse
continues to be a huge problem. The Caledonian System works
with men who have been convicted of domestic abuse.

• For example, despite this system over 59,000 domestic abuse

incidents were reported between 2017-18
INEFFECTIVE Government Responses to
Crime
• Another government response to crime which is ineffective is
short-term prison sentences.

• Short sentences remain high in the UK despite them being more

expensive and less successful in preventing future crime than non
custodial sentences. This is because under funding of effective non
custodial sentence programmes in many areas.

• For example, BBC have reported that those sentenced to short jail
terms reoffended almost twice as often in the space of 12 months
of being released.
 Exam Style Questions
1.Describe, in detail, two government responses to crime (4)

2. Explain, in detail, why the government’s responses to

tackling crime have been effective (6)

3. Explain, in detail, why the government’s responses to

tackling crime have been ineffective (6)
 Revision Quiz
1. Name two crimes commonly committed by young people (2 points)
2. Name one causes of each of the following
1. a) economic crime b) social crime c) biological crime (
3. Name two types of sentences Scottish courts can give to offenders
4. Give one way the Children’s Hearing system helps young people
5. Name two government initiatives to tackle crime
6. Give two reasons why official crime statistics need to be treated with caution
7. Name three powers of the police
8. Name two roles of the police
9. Name three Scottish courts
10. Give a reason why crime impacts a) victims b) offenders c) communities d)families
11. Give one advantage and one disadvantage of the Police’s use of stop and search
12. Give one advantage and one disadvantage of community policing
Answers
1. -graffiti/underage drinking
2. a) economic crime (greed) b) social crime (poverty) c) biological crime (warrior gene)
3. – fine/prison
4. – removes from the home if dangerous
5. – minimum unit pricing/reducing the drink drive limit
6. – many crimes go unreported
7. – arrest/investigate/collect evidence
8. – build relationships with community/maintain law & order
9. – sheriff/high
10. a) victims (PTSD) b) offenders (punishment) c) communities (low house prices) d)families (death of a loved
one/broken relationship with inmate)
11. Adv – gets weapons off the street/DisAdv – profiles innocent people
12. Adv – builds relationships with community who provide intel on crimes/DisAdv – ineffective police officers
normally in role wasting money