Sociology of Law and Order

Sociology of Law and Order
Question (Total 100 marks)

Answer the following question in 4,000 words.
Assume that the Ministry of Law has invited you, as an academic, to write a research paper focusing on juvenile delinquents and their involvement in gangs and rioting.

In light of the concepts and theories you have learned in SOC355 Sociology of Law and Order, your paper should demonstrate evidence of academic research and depth of analysis, and should, minimally, include discussions revolving around:

• Examining definitions of crime and deviance: What laws are in place to address ‘rioting’? Is it a ‘crime’ or ‘deviance’? Are there any changes in the laws and penalties over the years? How do society and the youths themselves understand the terms ‘gangs’ and ‘rioting’ and do their understanding(s) adhere to the legal definitions? Should ‘juvenile delinquents’ be considered ‘criminals’ or ‘deviants’? Is the term ‘juvenile delinquent’ appropriate?

• Social norms and values: Who are the stakeholders? Who are the offenders? How does Singapore society view such offenders and the laws and penalties surrounding this issue? To what extent do the laws reflect societal norms and values? What are the views of the experts with regard to this group of offenders?

• An analysis of the role of the media and appraisal of the statistics: How has the media depicted ‘youths’, ‘gangs’ and ‘rioting’ over the decades? Are there any stereotypes created, affirmed, or debunked? What are the numbers (or estimates) on the offenders involved?

• Consideration and appraisal of theories (this section should form the bulk of your paper): Consider all the theories covered in the course. Which theory or theories do you think applies/apply to ‘juvenile delinquents’ and their involvement in gangs and rioting? Also consider theories of punishment and crime prevention in your report.

• Recommendations: Appraise and critique the current measures with regard to the crimes or issues you have identified. Are they sufficient? Do they reflect societal norms and values? You are also free to suggest any alternative or complementary measures.

The ECA, which takes the form of the research paper you have to write, allows you to develop research and analytical skills. While your paper should cover the above pointers, you should not write in a step-by-step manner in accordance to the suggested pointers raised. Rather, your paper should take the form of a coherent, continuous essay.

Marks Allocation (general guide to the weight of each criterion only):

• Relevant discussion of issues; application and appraisal of theories (70 marks)
• Appraisal and recommendations of measures (10 marks)
• Quality of research (15 marks) (NB: Do not cite from Wikipedia.)
• Language and adherence to the word limit (5 marks)

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