Penalties in England

TASK 4. Read the text and examine the chart.

In England there are no minimum sentences, except for murder, which carries a penalty of life imprisonment. There are maximum sentences for other crimes. Crimes are first heard by a magistrate who can either pass sentence, or refer the crime to a Crown Court with a judge and jury. Here are maximum sentences for some crimes. Sentences can be reduced for good behaviour, often by one-third or more. "Life sentences" are rarely more than 14 years, and it would be possible to release prisoners after 7 years.

Crime	Magistrates' Court	Crown Court
Fine	Prison	Fine	Prison
Burglary	£1000	6 months	unlimited	14 years
Grievous bodily harm	£1000	6 months	unlimited	5 years
Possession of firearm	£1000	6 months	unlimited	5 years
Possession of cannabis	£500	3 months	unlimited	5 years
Common assault	£200	2 months	—	—
"Going equipped for stealing"	£1000	6 months	unlimited	3 years
Murder	—	—	life imprisonment

TASK 5. These are the general types of punishment in England Give a Russian equivalent for each of them. Which of these punishments exist in your country? Discuss this in your group.

Prison

Suspended sentences', the offender does not go to prison unless he or she commits another offence;

Probation: normal life at home, but under supervision;

Youth custody in special centres for young adults; Short disciplinary training in a detention centre; Community service: decorating old people's houses, etc.; Compensation: paying, or working for, one's victim; Fines: the punishment in 80 per cent of cases; Disqualification from driving; Fixed penalty fines: especially for parking offences.

TASK 6 Work in pairs and discuss the following.

1. Which punishment do you think is appropriate for each of the following crimes?

a) murder of a policeman;

b) vandalizing a'telephone box;

c) drinking and driving, without causing an accident;

d) robbing a supermarket with a gun;

e) stealing goods from a shop ("shop-lifting");

f) parking a car illegally.

2. Match these actual sentences from British courts with the crimes in question 1.

a) five to ten years in prison;

b) a small fixed penalty fine;

c) life imprisonmfint; (^

d) a £400 finejjEb

e) a £200 fine amrclisqualification from driving;

f) 100 hours of community service. \K

3. Turn to the list of crimes (see "the survey of crimes" Task 6). Try to find the proper penalties for those crimes. Discuss which of you is the harsher

R judge?

TASK 7. Work in groups and find six arguments for and against the death penalty. In the discussion, use the following forms of agreement and disagreement:

- Exactly!

- That's it!

- By no means! -Nothing of the kind!

- Just so!

- You don't say so!

- You bet!

• I quite agree!

• That's right!

• Absolutely!

I don't think it's quite right... I disagree. Absolutely wrong! Rubbish!

TASK 8. Newspaper discussion

a) Read this article and find synonyms for the following expressions from the text.

- burst into tears;

- respectable;

- shop-lifting;

- youngster;

,. л< PQt₄ £

- fhghf -

b) Tell this story as if you were:

- Samantha;

- store detective;

- police officer.

I<ef off iwitli n caution

¹ Fourteen year/old Samantha was lucky this time. Caught by a store detective with a bottle of hair conditioner, eye-lash dye, and a copy of Young Generation hidden in her bag, she found herself in a van being driven to the police station. |Even more upset than Samantha was her Mum. She was as white as a sheet when she went to collect Samantha from police station, and burst into tears.

Samantha says, "I was lucky. Two policemen came and looked at my home, which is very middle class

and respectable. I think that's why they let me off. They even asked to see my school books."

After two years of regular shop­lifting, Samantha has decided to go straight from now on She says she did it mostly out of boredom, and not to impress her friends as a tot of youngsters do. But she feels she's grown out of it after the fright she got the other day, and has decided to took for other interests.

[The Evening Post]

TASK 9. Translate this article into Russian. Write a list of measures that a store owner should take to prevent shop-lifting.

Big London stores do not like Discussing changing patterns in shop­lifting, presumably for fear of alarming their customers. One store says it never reveals information about customers or staff. Another says it does not keep records of violent incidents relating to shop-lifting and is

unable to comment. However, security officers in some of the stores have revealed that violence has become increasingly common when dealing with shop-lifters.

The security officer of one London branch stores has been assaulted six times by shop-lifters,

uffering a broken nose and a dislocated jaw in separate incidents. He says that if you go after the gangs, they go after you. Sometimes, you can recover the goods, but usually the gangs are too welt-organized to hang

around until the police get to the scene. This kind of incident is definitely on the increase. An efficient deterrent must be found. [The Daily Record]

Unit III A POLICEMAN AND THE CRIMINAL WORLD

TASK 1. Read the text and answer the questions below.

On tape that follows we speak to a Superintendent of Police. That is a very high position. He is responsible for the direction of the police in a very large area. He tells us about his feelings towards various types of criminals. He describes his reactions to the terrible case in London in 1966 when three policemen were all shot dead at the same time. British policemen are not normally armed. He tells us how he and other policemen feel about this and also what happens when the police catch a man who has killed another policeman. Finally he describes what happened when he had to face a violent dangerous man.

1. What is the Superintendent responsible for?

2. What does he describe?

TASK 2. Match each word and phrase on the left with the correct definition on the right

a) part and parcel of

b) affinity with

c) a hard-core minority

d) they have a sneaking regard for them

1. they almost like them even though they feel they shouldn't

2. a small number of very "hard" cases

3. a basic part of

4. a feeling of very close sympathy

TASK 3. Listen to part 1 of the tape Make notes while you are listening to be able to answer the following questions *' The Superintendent mentions a criminal who "has become part and parcel" of the station. How has this happened?

2. What do you think he means when he says this criminal is "always in"?

3. What does he feel towards this type of criminal?

4. Who is "Old Fred". Say what he does, when, and why.

5. What does the Superintendent mean by "the other end of the scale"?

6. How does he describe the second type of criminal and how does he feel towards them?

TASK 4. Transform the sentences according to the model

MODEL: There are criminals. Policemen have a sneaking regard for

them.

There are criminals who policemen have a sneaking regard for.

a) Old Fred is a man. The Superintendent has an affinity with him.

b) There are some criminals. The police get on well with them.

c) There are others. The police have a special hatred for them.

d) These are the children. You have to take care of them.

e) This is the man. You ought to pay the money to him.

MODEL: He's been caught many times. He's become part and parcel of

the station.

He's been caught so many times that he's become part and parcel of the

station.

a) He's been in many prisons. He knows them all.

b) The police meet many people. They can tell when someone is lying.

c) He's been before the Magistrates many times. They recognize him immediately.

d) Old Fred has been in prison many times. He does not know how to live outside, j^ ^°

e) He's lived in-many countries.»-He has made friends all over the world.

TASKS Work т groups Prepare your arguments for the questions below.

1. Why do you think the Superintendent has an affinity with some types of criminal and not with others.

2. What makes "Old Fred" prefer to go to prison than stay outside?

TASK 6. Listen the Part 2 of the tape.

In 1967 three policemen were shot dead at the same time one afternoon. The Superintendent describes his reactions and also what happens when they catch the men who do such things.

TASK 7 Match each word or phrase on the left with the correct definition on the right.

a) sheer anguish

b) on this sale

c) bend over backwards

d) scrutiny

e) fair

f) ordinary

1. non exceptional, commonplace

2. close inspection

3. free from self-interest, honest

4. extreme mental pain and unhappiness

5. to be so careful and considerate that it is almost ridiculous >.

6. here, "so many"

TASK 8. Answer the questions

1. Why was he shocked when the policemen were killed?

2. Had policemen ever been shot before? What exactly is said about this?

3. What do the police do when they catch a man who has killed a policeman?

4. Why do they do this?

TASK 9 Transform the sentences according to the model.

MODEL: My first reaction was one o/sheer anguish, (first impression/ deep despair) My first impression was one o/deep despair.

a) first reaction/profound shock

b) next feeling/complete amazement

c) initial reaction/utter disbelief

d) main impression/deep bitterness

e) final reaction/sheer boredom

MODEL: This country had reached a stage... Its policemen could be

shot.

This country had reached a stage where its policemen could be shot.

a) He reached a stage. He just couldn't go on running.

b) He didn't want to reach a stage. He might lose his temper.

c) The world may reach a stage. There won't be enough food.

d) Work hard and your English will reach a stage. It will be perfect.

e) Britain may reach a stage. Its policemen will carry guns.

f) Education in Britain has reached a stage. More money will have to be spent.

TASK 10. Work in pairs and discuss the following.

1. What do you think should be done with people who kill a

policeman?

Discuss reasons for:

a) putting them in prison, possibly for life;

b) executing them.

2. How would you react if you were the policeman who arrested a man who had killed another policeman? What would you want to do? Why?

TASK 11. Listen to Part 3 of the tape.

British policemen are not normally armed. That is, they do not carry guns. The Superintendent describes how policemen feel about this.

TASK 12. Match each word or expression on the left with the correct definition on the right.

a) anus 1. marked by extreme force or sudden intense

activity

b) honestly 2. to make use of sth.

c) average 3. weapons

d) foreign to his nature 4. in a way that is free fraud or deception

e) resort to sth. 5. the setting of differences through consent reached

by mutual concessions

f) violent 6. not out of the ordinary, common

g) compromise 7. something he would naturally never do

TASK 13. Answer the questions.

1. At the very beginning the Superintendent says. "I honestly think the average policeman never thinks about it." What does his phrase mean here?

2. What does he say the average policeman feels about the average Britisher?

3. What does he say about "certain elements in the criminal world"?

4. Who exactly are the "certain elements"?

5. What reason does he give for saying "We are not a violent nation"?

TASK 14. Listen to the tape.

"Of course, it is true to say that there are certain elements in the criminal world that are resorting to firearms."

1. Does the phrase "It's true to say that" mean: a) You're stupid if you cannot understand this.

b) I'm not lying!

c) On the other hand.

2. Put "Of course, it's true to say that..." between these pairs of sentences.

a) Most British people trust the police. There are certain exceptions.

b) On the whole the police don't like firearms. Some policemen want guns.

c) He's a very good manager. He has made a few bad mistakes.

d) Policemen in Britain rarely need guns. Every policeman knows how to use one.

e) The police are pretty honest. There are always a few who are not.

Listen again to the tape. "As a nation, we love compromise, don't we? "

1. Does the Superintendent expect agreement or is he asking real questions?

2. Transform the following in the same way with the same intonation: MODEL: We are a nation. We love compromise. "As a nation, we love compromise, don't we?"

a) "Manchester United" are a team. They are unbeatable.

b) We are a company. We have to think of our employees.

c) The police are a public institution. They have to be beyond criticism.

d) Policemen are a group. They have to accept danger.

e) Britain is a country. It will have to export more.

TASK 15. Discuss the following.

1. What are the advantages and disadvantages of policemen being armed?

2. Why are the police armed (or not armed) in your country?

TASK 16 Listen to part 4 of the tape.

The Superintendent describes what he did once when he faced a violent man.

TASK 17. Match the -words and expressions on the left -with the apprropriate definitions on the right.

a) eventually

b) threatening

c) particular

d) have a chat

e) trust

f) pompous

g) common denominator

1. a sense of understanding, of having sth. in common with another person

2. self-important, pretentious

3. after a while

4. confident belief in or reliance on

5. have a pleasant, informal, casual conversation

6. specific

7. indicating imminent danger or harm

TASK 18. Answer the questions.

1. Why did the Superintendent have to go to the house?

2. What was the man doing when the Superintendent had to deal with him?

3. Describe at least three of the things the Superintendent did.

4. What does he say you must try and do with such a man?

5. Why does the Superintendent say "I hope this doesn't sound pompous"? Think of possible consequences.

6. What are his last comments here?

TASK 19. Transform the sentences according to the model.

MODEL: You just go and sit there, (have a chat) You just have a chat.

a) hope for the best

b) do what you can c)take a chance

d) try to get his confidence

e) persuade them to listen

MODEL: Does this sound pompous? I hope not. I hope this doesn't sound pompous.

a) Does this sound stupid? 1 hope not.

b) Does this seem impossible? We hope not.

c) Does this seem reasonable? We hope not.

d) Does this sound a good idea? I hope so.

e) Does this sound absurd? I hope not.

TASK 20. Discuss the following.

1. What difference would it have made if the Superintendent had had a gun?

2. What difference would it have made if the man had had a

gun?

TASK 21. Read the text and answer the questions below.

The British police officer - sometimes called the "bobby" after Sir Robert Peel, the founder of the police force - is a well-known figure to anyone who has visited Britain or who has seen British films. Policemen are to be seen in towns and cities keeping law and order, either walking in the streets ("pounding the beai^or driving in cars (known as "panda cars" because of their distinctive mamngs). Few people realize, however, that the police in Britain are organized very differently from many other countries.

Most countries, for example, have a national police force which is controlled by central Government. Britain has no national police force, although, ^ police policy is governed by the central Government's Home Office. Instead, there is a separate police force for each of 52 areas into which the country is divided. Each has a police authority - a committee of local county councillors and magistrates.

The forces co-operate with each other, but it is unusual for members of one force to operate in another's area unless they are asked to give assistance. This sometimes happens when there has been a very serious crime. A Chief Constable (the most senior police officer of a force) may sometimes ask for the assistance of London's police force, based at New Scotland Yard - known simply as "the Yard".

In most countries the police carry guns. The British police generally do not carry firearms, except in Northern Ireland. Only a few police are regularly armed - for instance, those who guard politicians and diplomats or who patrol airports. In certain circumstances specially trained police officers can be armed, but only with the signed permission of a magistrate.

All members of the police must have gained a certain level of academic qualifications at school and undergone a period of intensive training. Like the army, there are a number of ranks: after the Chief Constable comes the Assistant Chief Constable, Chief Superintendent, Chief Inspector, Inspector, Sergeant and Constable. Women make up about 10 per cent of the police force. The police are helped by a number of Special Constables - members of the public who work for the police voluntarily for a few hours a week.

Each police force has its own Criminal Investigation Department (CID). Members of CIDs are detectives, and they do not wear uniforms. (The other uniformed people you see in British towns are traffic wardens, Their job is to

make sure that drivers obey the parking regulations. They have no other powers - it is the police who are responsible for controlling offences like speeding, careless driving and drunken driving.)

The duties of the police are varied, ranging from assisting at accidents to safeguarding public order and dealing with lost property. One of their main functions is, of course, apprehending criminals and would-be criminals.

1. Who was the founder of the British police?

2. Is there one police force, organized by central Government?

3. In what situations can the policemen carry arms?

4. What are the ranks of the policeman.

5. What are the duties of traffic wardens?

6. What is Scotland Yard and what does it do?

TASK 22. Read the text and fill т the gaps -with the appropriate words from the previous text.

In Britain different areas have different (a)

. For instance, the

Metropolitan police operate in London, but there are different police forces in the counties outside London.

The top man in each police force is (b)______. He is appointed by

the local Watch Committee which is a (c)______of the local government.

The Watch Committee can dismiss him, too, if the central government agrees. The Chief Constable appoints all the (d)_____below him in his force.

Things are slightly different in London. The top man is known as the Metropolitan Police Commissioner and his appointment is arranged through the central government.

British police are normally not (e)_____. In special cases, when their

work becomes dangerous, they can be given (f)______however.

As is well known, the (g)______of the British policeman is blue,

with a tall helmet. These days, though, you can see a different uniform in the

streets. This is the uniform with the yellow hatband worn by (h)______.

Their job is simply to control traffic and (i)______.

The most famous name connected with the British police is

(j)______. It is the headquarters of the London police force. Besides dealing

with local police matters, the London police also help all over England and Wales with difficult crimes. They do this at the request of the local police.

TASK 23. Using the information of the Unit, summarize the topic "Police".

Unit IV THE WORLD OF CRIME

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