Law And Criminality
Overview
Every society draws a line between what is allowed and what is punished, but where that line sits, and how it is enforced, differs enormously around the world. Law and criminality reaches from petty theft to organised crime, cybercrime and corruption. The scale is sobering: the UN Office on Drugs and Crime estimated about 458,000 intentional homicides worldwide in 2021, and the World Prison Brief reported around 11.5 million people held in prisons globally as of 2024. Behind the figures lie hard questions about fairness, safety and second chances.
This note does not list crimes for you to memorise. It teaches the Global Perspectives way of thinking about justice: seeing it through a victim's, a country's and the world's eyes; weighing tough arguments about punishment and rehabilitation against their counter-arguments; judging crime statistics and reporting that are easy to misuse; and reasoning toward realistic, evidence-based action. That balanced habit of mind is what your report, team project and Paper 1 reward.
Objectives
- Explain why law and criminality is an issue of global significance and describe its main causes and consequences.
- Compare personal, local/national and global perspectives on law and criminality, with empathy and supporting evidence.
- Evaluate evidence, sources and arguments relating to law and criminality, distinguishing fact, opinion, bias and vested interest.
- Develop a line of reasoning toward possible evidence-based courses of action on law and criminality, and suggest report and team-project angles.
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Lesson Evaluation
Congratulations on completing the lesson on Law And Criminality. Now that youve explored the key concepts and ideas, its time to put your knowledge to the test. This section offers a variety of practice questions designed to reinforce your understanding and help you gauge your grasp of the material.
You will encounter a mix of question types, including multiple-choice questions, short answer questions, and essay questions. Each question is thoughtfully crafted to assess different aspects of your knowledge and critical thinking skills.
Use this evaluation section as an opportunity to reinforce your understanding of the topic and to identify any areas where you may need additional study. Don't be discouraged by any challenges you encounter; instead, view them as opportunities for growth and improvement.
- Which of these statements shows the global perspective on crime? A. My phone was stolen on the way to school B. Our city is hiring more police officers C. Interpol coordinated several countries to break up a trafficking network D. The local court sentenced a shoplifter Answer: C
- Which sentence is a fact rather than an opinion? A. Prison never reforms anyone B. The World Prison Brief reported about 11.5 million people imprisoned worldwide in 2024 C. Criminals deserve no mercy D. Rehabilitation is a waste of money Answer: B
- A government says recorded crime fell last year and credits its new policy. Why should you be cautious? A. Governments cannot collect statistics B. Recorded crime can fall if fewer people report crime, and the government has a vested interest in claiming success C. Crime statistics are always invented D. One year is plenty of evidence Answer: B
- Which best describes rehabilitation? A. Discouraging crime by the threat of punishment B. Helping an offender change so they can rejoin society without reoffending C. Keeping someone in prison for life D. Reoffending after release Answer: B
- Which report question is the most focused and answerable? A. Is crime bad? B. Everything about justice in the world C. How effective have rehabilitation programmes been at reducing reoffending among young offenders in one named country since 2018? D. Why do people break the law? Answer: C
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