CRIMINAL RESPONSIBILITY IN THE UNITED ARAB EMIRATES: A SOCIOLOGICAL STUDY OF THE SOCIAL AND LEGAL DIMENSIONS OF CRIME AND PUNISHMENT

Abstract

This study explores the concept of criminal responsibility in the United Arab Emirates from a sociological perspective, examining both the social and legal dimensions of crime and punishment. It aims to analyze how Emirati criminal legislation aligns with international legal frameworks, particularly the French, British, and American models. Drawing on classical sociological theories such as Durkheim’s functionalism, Weber’s social action theory, and Marx’s conflict theory, the study highlights how societal structures influence criminal behavior and legal accountability. The research investigates the societal impact of crime and the effects of punishment on social stability. Moreover, it evaluates the effectiveness of legal reforms in addressing deviance and promoting justice. This comparative analysis provides valuable insights into the evolution of criminal responsibility in modern societies, emphasizing the intersection of law and sociology in shaping legal practices and social perceptions of crime and justice.