Crime and Deviance Worksheet 3

Task 1 - Marxist perspectives on crime

"It's always the same. The rich get away with murder - insider trading, fraud, dodgy land deals, the lot. You get caught nicking a CD from HMV, you get six months. Where's the justice in that?"

Discuss the above statement in small groups and try to answer the following questions.

1. Do you agree with the statement that 'there's one law for the rich and one for the poor'? Why/why not?

2. Why might "white collar crime" or corporate crime be less likely to reach the courts? You should think of at least three reasons.

3. Discuss reasons why the police and courts might treat offenders differently, and explain whether you think the British justice system is fair.