1. 7 th Grade Civics Miss Smith *pgs. 382-386

2.  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 offenses, such as traffic violations and disturbing the peace  The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) collects info on crime in the U.S.

3. Crimes against Persons  Violent crimes- done w/ force or threat of force  Aggravated assault- any kind of physical injury that is done intentionally to another person  Hate crimes- committed against people because of prejudice (often violent crimes)

4. Crimes against Property  Stealing or destroying someone else’s property  Burglary- illegally entering someone’s home with the intent to steal  Robbery- a crime that involves both property and people  Larceny- theft without force/violence  Arson- setting fires  Vandalism- destruction of property

5. Victimless Crimes  Crimes where the criminals do not violate another person’s rights, but mainly harm themselves  Ex: illegal gambling, illegal drugs, etc.  These crimes can lead to other types of crime

6. White-collar Crimes  Nonviolent crimes that range from copyright violations to embezzlement and fraud  Embezzlement- theft of money that has been entrusted to an individual’s care  Fraud- cheating someone out of money or property  Cybercrime- computer hacking  Identity theft

7.  Poverty- when people can’t earn enough to support themselves  Illegal Drug Use- acting under the influence, or stealing to support their addictions  Permissive Society- letting children do what they want doesn’t teach them responsibility

8.  Urbanization- more people in one area means more potential victims  Other Causes- more technology, lack of education, violence in the media, lack of resources  No Single Cause of crime

9.  Increase the number of police officers  Expand the prison system  Tougher legal penalties  3 strikes rule- life sentences to 3 time violent offenders