1. Particular Crimes
Chapter 3.2

2. Crimes Against people
In most instances, crimes can be categorized into three headlines:
Crimes against PEOPLE
Crimes against PROPERTY
Crimes against BUSINESS INTERESTS
Homicide is the killing of one human being by another.
Justifiable Homicide
when a police officer kills a criminal in the line of duty or in self-defense.
Soldier kills an enemy in battle
Excusable Homicide when someone is killed by accident.

3. MURDER
The unlawful killing of another human being with malice aforethought (evil intent)
In many states, it is divided into first-degree and second-degree
Differs from state to state
The distinction is important because in some states those found guilty of first-degree murder are subject to the death penalty

4. First-degree murder vs. second-degree murder
Killing with premeditation
Killing in a cruel way (torture)
Killing while committing a felony (rape or robbery)
If none of the first-degree murder conditions apply

5. Manslaughter
The unlawful killing of another human being without malice or aforethought
Divided into 2 categories
Voluntary – occurs when one person intends to kill another but does so suddenly and as the result of great personal distress
Involuntary – occurs when one person, while committing an unlawful or reckless act, unintentionally kills another

6. Assault and Battery Battery Assault
Unlawful touching of another person (includes kissing)
Usually involves the forceful use of a person’s hand, knife, or gun against another
Giving poison or drugs to an unsuspecting victim
Requires criminal intent
Attempt to commit a battery
Pointing or shooting a gun at someone is the assault – the bullet striking is the battery
Could be considered a misdemeanor or a felony (aggravated assault)
Varies from state to state

7. Kidnapping
Unlawful removal or restraint of a person against their will
Usually includes:
Unlawful imprisonment for ransom
Terrorism
Rape
To commit a felony

8. Sex offenses Forcing someone to have sexual intercourse (rape)
Forcing a MINOR to have sexual intercourse (statutory rape)
Consent on the minor’s behalf does NOT make the sexual encounter legal
A MINOR having sexual relations with another MINOR
Date rape
Sexual assault is a very serious crime and carry serious penalties like LIFE in prison.

9. Domestic Violence
Any reckless form of physical or mental abuse within a family or household
Children
Spouses
Elderly people
Laws provide punishment for abusers, relocation of mistreated children and shelters for abused and battered spouses

10. Hate Crimes Many states have made it a crime to
Use certain symbols
Writings
Pictures
Spoken words
Causing fear or anger in people because of
Race
Religion
Color
Gender

11. Crimes Against Property
Crimes against property can be classified as felonies or misdemeanors, depending on the severity of the crime.
The most common are:
Burglary
Robbery
Arson
Larceny
Embezzlement

12. Burglary vs. Robbery
Burglary
Robbery
The breaking and entering of a dwelling with the intent to commit a felony or a misdemeanor.
If any part of the definition of burglary cannot be proven, the defendant cannot be found guilty.
The wrongful taking and carrying away of personal property of another through violence or threats
Taking “from the person” using force, violence or threats

13. Embezzlement and Vandalism
The wrongful taking of another’s property by a person who has been entrusted with that property
Ex – Bernie Fine case
Willful or malicious damage to property
Anyone who supports the crime will be charged
Being the look-out

14. Arson Defined as the willful and malicious burning of the
Dwelling house of another
Buildings
Other structures
Scorching of property is not enough
Some part of the structure must have actually been on fire

15. Motor Vehicle Violations
A license is a privilege; NOT a right
May be suspended temporarily or permanently
May be revoked
Tried in traffic court
Drag racing and joy-riding – illegal
All those who participate can be held liable; not just the driver(s)

16. Crimes involving controlled substances
Alcohol
Drugs
Most commonly used drug in the US
Laws to prevent the SALE of alcohol to people under the legal drinking age
Punishable by fines and/or imprisonment
Possession, distribution, or sale may violate state and federal laws
The SALE is considered the most serious offense
Giving them away is illegal

17. Computer crimes Federal Crimes & Laws State Crimes & Computers
National Information Infrastructure Act of 1996
Outlaws the practice of extorting money or other favors in exchange for not crashing computers
The Computer Fraud & Abuse Act
Computer hackers
Pass their own laws
Illegal to use computers to acquire property, services, or money by fraud
Theft of computer services
Destruction of equipment
Misuse of computer information