Crime and Deviance I will: Understand what laws are and how they are made. Discuss why laws are an important aspect of society. Examine crime and deviance.

Working in pairs thought shower types of behaviour that are against the law in this country. See how many you can come up with.

What is the Law? Laws stop us doing exactly what we want. This sounds like a bad thing at first but think about it! Law is a formal way of controlling people and society through rules set down and then enforced through courts and the legal system.

My Laws: Imagine that you have been asked to create some new laws for England and Wales. This is your chance to change the country! Copy and complete the ‘My Laws list’. You must create at least 5 new laws. When you have completed the list you will be discussing your laws with a partner. You will be tested on your skills of working as a pair!

How are Laws Made? British laws have to be accountable – laws must be created for a good reason, for the benefit of the people. There is a well developed process which Parliament uses to make sure that the laws are thoroughly checked before they are put into action. This process makes sure that many people get a say in the countries laws. When a proposed new law is going through Parliament (before it becomes a law) it is called a bill. There are 8 stages to a bill becoming a law.

First Reading The bill is published for MPs to read Second Reading A government minister explains the bill. It is discussed. Only if MPs vote for the bill can it go to the next stage. Committee Stage A small number of MPs discuss the bill. Suggest changes to it and votes on these. Report Stage The committee reports to the House of Commons on what it has done to the bill. MPs can suggest further changes. Third Reading The House of Commons look at the bill again with all of its changes. MPs debate the bill then vote for or against it. House of Lords The bill goes to the House of Lords. The Lords check it and suggest changes. The Royal Assent Once the bill has been passed by both houses it goes to the monarch (Queen) who gives Royal Assent (agreement) Act of Parliament The bill is now a law.

How Do Laws Help Society? We need laws to help everyone live together happily and safely. British laws are intended to make life fair. Everyone in Britain has to live by the same rules. Laws are there for peoples safety. Laws aim to protect us and stop us doing things that are dangerous or harmful. Laws help enforce order. If people could do whatever they wanted then society would be chaos. Laws should protect peoples rights.

Nothing would be considered criminal. Rape, harassment, paedophilia, violence, sexual abuse etc would not be criminal. Dangerous people would be free to walk the streets. People would not be punished for their actions. People could do whatever they wanted. There would be no attempt at rehabilitation

Crime and Deviance Not everything that is considered as ‘wrong’ by some is against the law. can you think of any examples? Some things that are against the law are considered by some as being ‘acceptable’. can you think of any examples?

Against the law but considered ‘ok’ by some. Not against the law but considered ‘wrong’ by some. Benefit fraud speeding Smoking