What is Crime?

Crime Crime = a violation of criminal law for which some governmental authority applies formal penalties It represents a deviation from formal social norms administered by the state. Law divides crimes into various categories, depending on the severity of the offence, the age of the offender, the potential punishment that can be levied, and the court that holds jurisdiction over the case.

Types of Crimes Professional crime Organized crime White-Collar and technology-based crime Victimless crimes

Professional Crime Crimes committed by people who make a career out of doing illegal activities A professional criminal is a person who pursues crime as a day-to-day occupation, developing skilled techniques and enjoying a certain degree of status among other criminals. Professionals can specialize – burglary, safecracking, hijacking, pickpocketing, and shoplifting They devote their entire working time to planning and executing crimes. They also consult with their colleagues and exchange information.

Organized Crime Organized crime = the work of a group that regulates relations among various criminal enterprises involved in the smuggling and sale of drugs, prostitution, gambling, and other illegal activities. Gangs can often times become involved in organized crime. Organized crime is a secret, conspiratorial activity that generally evade law enforcement. It takes over legitimate businesses, gains influence over labour unions, corrupts public officials, intimidates witnesses in criminal trials, and even “taxes” merchants in exchange for “protection”.

White-Collar Crime White collar crime = illegal acts committed in the course of business activities, often by affluent “respectable” people. Examples = income tax evasion, stock manipulation, consumer fraud, bribery and extraction of “kickbacks”, embezellment, and misrepresentation in advertising

Technology-Based Crime New form of white-collar crime Computer crime The use of high technology allows people to carry out embezzlement or electronic fraud without leaving a trace, or to gain access to a company’s inventory without leaving home

Victimless Crimes Victimless crimes = the willing exchange among adults of widely desired, but illegal, goods and services Questions arise as to the decriminalization of many of these illegal practices – often times associated with moral issues Prostitution, gambling, etc…