The role of the concept of “legal awareness” in the study of delinquent behaviour

The relevance of this study is determined by the urgent need to eliminate factors contributing to the distortion of legal awareness and unlawful behaviour. This article aimed to examine the relationship between the concepts of “legal awareness” and “delinquent behaviour” and to initiate a scholarly discussion on the theoretical foundations of effective approaches to addressing the distortion of legal consciousness and preventing delinquent behaviour. The methodological framework of the study is based on sociological, phenomenological, and synergetic approaches, as well as formal-logical, systemic, and structural-functional methods. The study explore how the interaction between an individual’s inherent characteristics and the social environment determines the level of legal awareness and, consequently, the nature of human activity, including legal activity. The formation of delinquent behaviour is largely influenced by the combination of internal factors, such as an individual’s moral and psychological state and distorted legal consciousness, and external factors, including motives, causes, and conditions. Legal awareness and an individual’s value orientations are examined as factors in fostering legal activity and legally significant behaviour. These elements constitute a distinct set of personal attitudes shaped by motives, goals, and needs. The study theorised the role of conviction in the necessity of complying with existing legislation as a key determinant of legal behaviour and its relationship with other components of legal culture. It is demonstrated that legal behaviour depends on and can only develop based on legal knowledge and a high level of legal awareness. Given this interdependence, delinquent behaviour prevention is considered concerning such concepts as human and citizen rights and freedoms, social inequality and injustice, and corruption. The practical significance of the article lies in its provision of specific, scientifically grounded proposals and recommendations that can be applied in empirical research on delinquent behaviour prevention