Culture helps to determine what are considered normal patterns of behavior between men and women, among generations, and the expected social roles in families and other groups. Clarifying how cultural background affects individuals' capacity to form a criminal intent or control their behavior may allow a better determination of level of culpability and guide appropriate sentencing. However, framing behavior as culturally influenced may also stereotype and stigmatize specific groups. To avoid this, culture must be fully understood.
Culture helps to determine what are considered normal patterns of behavior between men and women, among generations, and the expected social roles in families and other groups. Clarifying how cultural background affects individuals' capacity to form a criminal intent or control their behavior may allow a better determination of level of culpability and guide appropriate sentencing. However, framing behavior as culturally influenced may also stereotype and stigmatize specific groups. To avoid this, culture must be fully understood.