Deviance refers to behaviors that:

Deviance specifically refers to behaviors or actions that violate the norms, expectations, standards, or values held by a society or social group. This can range from minor infractions to major offenses, but fundamentally, it characterizes actions that are not in line with societal approval.

Understanding deviance is critical in the field of criminal justice because it highlights the laws, norms, and values that govern societal behavior. When individuals act in ways that deviate from these societal expectations, it can lead to various responses from social institutions, including law enforcement, legal systems, and community reactions. This concept also plays a vital role in understanding how societies create laws and respond to behaviors deemed unacceptable or harmful to social cohesion.