Since the advanced information for Criminology was finally announced, it has been a whirlwind trying to interpret the altered specification, preparing coverall revision powerpoints (check out here: Unit Two and Unit Four) and analysing past exam papers for insights and obvious gaps. Here you will find the past questions (2017-2020) that link to the topics asked on the advanced information for Unit Four, plus any gaps (areas on the specification that have never been asked) and potential questions. So here is what I have found:

Assessment Criteria: 1.1

Past Questions:​

• Outline the process used by the government for making laws such as The Theft Act 1968. 3 marks (2017)
• Identify four features of the parliamentary (governmental) law making process. 4 marks (2020)

Gaps and Possible Questions:​

• Describe the governmental processes used for law making.

Assessment Criteria: 1.2

Past Questions:​

• Describe the relationship of the prison service with other agencies in the criminal justice system. 7 marks (2017)
• Outline the role of the prison service in England and Wales. 3 marks (2018)
• Describe relationships between the police, CPS and the courts as a case proceeds through the criminal justice system. (Not CPS in 2022 exam) 6 marks (2018)
• Analyse the relationship between the Probation Service and other agencies in the criminal justice system. 8 marks (2019)
• Describe the relationships between the courts and agencies of formal punishment within the criminal justice system. 9 marks (2020)

Gaps and Possible Questions:​

• Describe the relationship pf the police with other agencies in the criminal justice system.
• Describe relationships between the police, courts and formal punishment as a case proceeds through the criminal justice system.
• Describe the relationships between the police and agencies of formal punishment within the criminal justice system.
• Outline the role of the police service in England and Wales.
• Outline the role of the courts in England and Wales.
• Outline the role of the probation service in England and Wales.

Assessment Criteria: 1.3

Past Questions:​

• Describe two models of criminal justice. 4 marks (2017)
• Describe how one model of criminal justice could apply to Colin’s case. 6 marks (2018)
• Describe the crime control model of criminal justice referred to by Sarah’s lawyer. 4 marks. (2019)
• Identify three features of the crime control model of justice. 3 marks (2020)
• Identify three features of the due process model of justice. 3 marks (2020)

Gaps and Possible Questions:​

• Describe two models of criminal justice.

Assessment Criteria: 2.1

Past Questions:​

• Using examples, explain what is meant by internal forms of social control. 4 marks (2017)
• Discuss reasons why individuals abide by the law. 8 marks (2018)
• Explain how probation orders act as an external form of social control. 7 marks (2019)

Gaps and Possible Questions:​

• Explain, using the Control Theory, why people abide by the law.
• Using examples, explain what is meant by external forms of social control.
• Explain forms of social control.

Assessment Criteria: 2.2

Past Questions:​

• Discuss retribution and rehabilitation as aims of sentencing. 10 marks (2018)
• Discuss retribution and rehabilitation as aims of punishment for offences such as driving while using a mobile telephone. 6 marks (2020)

Gaps and Possible Questions:​

• Discuss deterrence as an aim of punishment.
• Discuss public protection as an aim of punishment.
• Discuss reparation as an aim of punishment.
• You could also be asked combination questions e.g. Discuss rehabilitation and reparation as aims of punishment.

Assessment Criteria: 2.3

Past Questions:​

• Assess how two forms of punishment meet their aims. 5 marks (2017)
• Discuss the aims of the community order imposed on Ellie. 6 marks (2020)
• Assess how forms of punishment meet the aim of public protection in cases where individuals drive while using a mobile telephone. (You will only be asked for community sentencing and financial in 2022 exam) 9 marks (2020)

Gaps and Possible Questions:​

• Discuss how a fine meets the aims of punishment.
• You could also be asked a combination question e.g. community or financial against specific aims – retribution, rehabilitation, deterrence, public protection and/or reparation. Such as: Assess how community sentences meet the aim of rehabilitation and reparation.

Assessment Criteria: 3.1

Past Questions:​

• Describe the role of the judge in a Crown Court trial. 4 marks (2017)
• Explain the role of the police in social control. 6 marks (2017)
• Discuss the role of the police service in achieving social control. 5 marks (2019)
• Discuss the role of social control agencies involved in bringing Ellie to justice. (You will only be asked for police and judiciary in 2022 exam) 9 marks (2020)

Gaps and Possible Questions:​

• Explain the role of the judiciary in achieving social control.
• Do not forget that ‘role’ includes aims and objectives and working practices. You may be asked to discuss one of these areas specifically. E.g. Explain the working practices of the police. Or Describe the aims and objectives of the judiciary.

Assessment Criteria: 3.3

Past Questions:​

• None

Gaps and Possible Questions:​

• Discuss financial limitations of the police service in achieving social control.
• Discuss financial limitations of the judiciary in achieving social control.

Assessment Criteria: 3.4

Past Questions:​

• Using the text and your own knowledge, evaluate the effectiveness of the Probation Service. 5 marks (2019)

Gaps and Possible Questions:​

• Evaluate the effectiveness of the Probation Service in achieving social control.