Crime in the United States Chapter 16, Section 1 Crime in the United States

I. Types of Crime Crime – Any act that breaks the law and for which there is a punishment Criminal – a person who commits any type of crime Felonies – serious crimes, such as murder and kidnapping Misdemeanors – less serious, such as traffic violations and disturbing the peace

II. 5 Categories of Crimes Crimes against Persons Crimes against Property Victimless Crimes White-collar Crimes Organized Crimes

A. Crimes against Persons Most feared Can harm a person, end a person’s life, or threaten to end a life Homicide (Killing) is the most serious 16,000 homicides per year from 2000-2004 Aggravated assault is the most common Physical injury done intentionally to another 900,000 aggravated assaults per year

A. Crimes against Persons (cont.) Hate crimes – often violent crimes committed because of prejudice Sexual violation – by force & against a person’s will 90,000 forcible rapes per year from 2000-2004

B. Crimes against Property Most common category of crime Stealing or destroying someone else’s property Burglary, larceny, motor vehicle theft, robbery, vandalism, and arson

C. Victimless Crimes The criminal does not violate another person’s rights, but mainly harms himself Illegal gambling & illegal drug use These usually lead to other types of crimes, such as theft and murder

D. White-Collar Crimes Copyright violation, embezzlement, and fraud Non-violent crimes Cyber crime – involves computers, where sensitive information is stored Identity theft – someone uses your personal information to commit fraud These crimes cost Americans billions of dollars, which causes higher prices

E. Organized Crime Specialize in providing illegal goods and services Gambling, drug-trafficking, prostitution, etc. Usually run legal businesses that serve as covers for illegal activities Use threats of violence to keep people from going to the police

II. Causes of Crime (6) Poverty Illegal Drug Use Permissive Society Urbanization Other Causes of Crime No Single Cause

B. Illegal Drug Use A. Poverty When people can’t support themselves, they may turn to crime to obtain what they can’t afford May steal to support a drug habit, sell drugs, or act under the influence of drugs

C. Permissive Society D. Urbanization Many parents let their children do whatever they want This can lead to children committing crimes, b/c they don’t know any better Some believe judges are too easy when sentencing criminals More people live in cities, which means there are more victims for criminals More young people in cities (people <25 yrs. Old account for 50% of arrests in the U.S.)

F. No Single Cause E. Other Causes Technological and social change may lead to crime No education Society’s attitude toward right and wrong has changed Violence in the media Not enough $ on law enforcement Today’s crime problem probably cannot be blamed on any single cause Combination of the other 5 causes

III. Fighting Crime National Crime Bill (1994): Increase # of police officers & expand prison system Tougher penalties for criminals 3-strikes rule Community Policing program Requires citizens to get involved Report crimes, take precautions, support police