Case Study 1: Deviant Behaviors Law Case Study Paper

Case Study 1: Deviant Behaviors
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Case Study 1: Deviant Behaviors
Deviant behavior refers to non-conformity to social norms and values. Deviant behavior leads to a negative response. Deviant behaviors can be classified as voluntary or involuntary and formal or informal. There are two forms of deviance. First, there is a violation of formally enacted laws, which is called formal deviance, and it includes murder, assault, rape, robber, and theft, among others. The second one is called informal deviance, which is rooted in in informal social norms that have not been transformed into law, and examples of informal deviance include belching loudly, picking one’s nose in public. Violation of formal norms is considered as a transgression and is ordinarily remedied by punitive measures such as imprisonment and fines. Reactions to informal deviance are typically internal to the individual. In the light of sociology, deviance and crime are examined amongst adults and juveniles who violate the tenet of social norms. In most of the cases, the norms constitute established rules and laws that are classified as expectations, or standards of conduct. The sphere of sociology examines how laws and social norms develop and change and how devious, inappropriate, and illegal behaviors are controlled in both formal and informal organizations, as well as the mechanisms of handling by government agencies and social organizations. This paper will explore a criminal case and answer various questions based on the contexts of age, informal and formal sanctions, and the effectiveness of these approaches.
In April 2019, three churches, mainly for black Americans, were burned by the suspect, Holden James Matthews. The churches included St. Mary Baptist Church, Greater Union Baptist Church, and Mount Pleasant Baptist Church in Louisiana’s St. Landry Parish. A federal grand jury indicted the suspect on hate crime and arson charges (Justice.gov).
Holden James Matthews, a 22-year old with no history of violence or arrest, was found to be an enforcer’s son whom some believed that he could have been influenced by black metal music, which might have made him burn the said churches.as a result. Holden James Matthews was charged for three counts, each carrying a maximum penalty of 15 years in jail. Investigation in Facebook account reveals that Holden James Matthews has inclinations towards black metal and heathenism and Nordic religious beliefs, and at one time, he admits carrying a gun illegally.
In the case of Holden James Matthews, social contract played little or no role in restraining him from committing such evil acts. This act was probably driven by hate and racism. The defendant might have a lack of values and beliefs that ensure conformity when it comes to the issue of racial difference. There is no clear external authoritative figure which can threaten sanction against such a young man, given that he is 22. Social control is a theory that is defined as an internal mechanism of social control. The theory posits that the values, beliefs, commitments, and relationships tend to encourage conformity. The internalization of norms creates better ties with the broader communities, making it ...