state crime

State crimes

Illegal or harmful acts carried out by governments or their agents that violate national or international laws.

War crimes

Serious violations of the laws of war that include unlawful killings, torture, and inhumane treatment.

Genocide

Intentional actions aimed at destroying a national, ethnic, racial, or religious group.

Corruption

Abuse of power for private gain, often including bribery or illegal practices.

Censorship

Suppression of speech, public communication, or other information deemed objectionable.

Funding of terrorism

Providing financial support for terrorist activities.

Political crimes

Crimes such as election rigging that undermine political integrity and fairness.

Human Rights Approach

A perspective that defines state crimes as violations of human rights rather than just breaches of law.

Zemiology

The study of harm, regardless of legality, as proposed to replace the traditional study of crime.

Domestic Law Approach

Defining state crime to include acts defined by national laws as criminal, executed by state officials.

Hamilton’s Theory of Crimes of Obedience

The notion that state crimes occur when individuals comply with authority, even against their morals.

The Spiral of Denial

A process where states deny, reinterpret, and then justify their crimes as evidence surfaces.

Neutralization Theory

Techniques used by states to justify their crimes rather than denying them.

Denial of Injury

Claiming that actions taken by the state were necessary and caused no harm.

Denial of Victims

Arguing that the victims somehow deserved their fate or were not real victims.

Condemnation of the Condemners

Suggesting that critics of state actions are biased or that worse crimes occur elsewhere.

Appeal to Higher Loyalties

Justifying state actions by claiming they are necessary for national security or ideological reasons.

Denial of Responsibility

Claiming that actions were carried out under orders or duress, removing personal accountability.

Challenges in Prosecuting State Crimes

Obstacles in holding states accountable due to their power, legal definitions, and lack of enforcement.