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Crime and Delinquency

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Mastering Sociology

Part of the book series: Macmillan Master Series ((MACMMA))

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Abstract

The criminal law will only deal with deviant acts which have been labelled as crimes. ‘Deviancy’ is deviation from the norm (section 18.2) and is not necessarily criminal. A person may decide to live as a hermit, or they may live saintly lives within a corrupt society and seek to reform it. Such acts are likely to be deviant but not criminal.

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© 1988 Gerard O’Donnell

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O’Donnell, G. (1988). Crime and Delinquency. In: Mastering Sociology. Macmillan Master Series. Palgrave, London. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-349-10247-1_20

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