Why do people commit crime? Research – using case studies and personal documents

1. Why do people commit crime?Research – using case studies and personal documents Learning Objectives To identify and describe a range of perspectives To identify and describe some similarities and differences of a range of issues

2. News Batch of blank Kazakh passports seized from Chinese nationals at border Wednesday, 19.03.2014, 16:04 Kazakhstan Interior Ministry explains origin of blank passports seized from Chinese at border Nearly 300 blank Kazakhstan passports have been seized from two Chinese nationals at the border in Almaty airport, Tengrinews reports citing the Border Police of Kazakhstan."Officers of Almaty border checkpoint discovered and seized 291 blank national passports of Kazakhstan in the carry-on luggage of two Hong Kong residents during checkin to KC-929 Almaty-Hong Kong flight. 250 of the blank passports had blue cover and 40 were maroon. One of the maroon passports contained a photograph and identification data," the police reported.A roll of holographic tape used in making of Kazakhstan passports was also seized from the two Chinese nationals. "Based on the Article 185 of the Criminal Code of Kazakhstan, the case materials were sent to the Almaty Department of the National Security Committee," the police said added.According to the board officers it was the first time they had a case involving smuggling of such unusual items in their practice. Blank Kazakhstan passports are not available anywhere on the open market and their release can only be authorised by the competent Kazakhstan authority. So the origin of this batch is a mystery. What is this story about? What are two perspectives? Who are the people involved? Why is it important? Is there any evidence of a crime?

3. Theories on Crime Read the three documents on the GP website that list the different theories on crime and behavior Choose three theories you believe are the most important and explain why Choose three theories you believe are the least important and explain why • How might the explanation or cause of the crime affect our attitude to the criminal? • Should courts take this into consideration in deciding punishments? • How could these theories help us to take action to prevent crime? • Do people simply choose to be criminals even when their background or situation might foster criminal behaviour? • How far should a person be held responsible for their actions? • Who decides if a type of behaviour should be defined as criminal?

4. Theories on Crime Read the three case studies on the GP website of people who have broken the law. Work in pairs to explain why the person broke the law. You need to use the personal documents and the general description of the person’s life, character and circumstances to make suggestions for the cause of their crime. In pairs create a diagram or picture of the person with boxes pointing to the person’s image that contain a possible reason or cause of their criminal background, for each case study.

5. Blog Update your blog by writing about What you have learnt Where and when it was Why is it important Who are the people involved How has your perspective changed

6. Write a report on the criminal explaining the factors that might have led to their criminal actions and their theory about why the person is a criminal. Prioritise the most important three factors and justify. The report could be for the courts to use when deciding punishment or for social workers to decide how to help the criminal stop their illegal behaviour.