Crime and Deviance

Crime

A behavior that is prohibited by law and punishable by sanctions.

Criminal Law

The body of law that defines and regulates criminal behavior.

Criminal Code

A collection of laws that define criminal behavior and specify the penalties for violations.

Criminal Justice System

The system of institutions and processes that deal with criminal behavior, including law enforcement, courts, and corrections.

Actus Reus

The guilty act or the physical component of a crime.

Mens Rea

The guilty mind or the mental component of a crime.

Causation

The relationship between the actus reus and the harm caused by the crime.

Harm

The negative impact of a crime on individuals, communities, or society as a whole.

Punishment

The sanctions imposed on individuals who have committed a crime.

Deterrence

The use of punishment to discourage criminal behavior.

Rehabilitation

The use of punishment to change the behavior of individuals who have committed a crime.

Retribution

The use of punishment to satisfy the desire for revenge or justice.

Incarceration

The confinement of individuals who have committed a crime in a prison or jail.

Probation

A form of punishment that allows individuals to remain in the community under supervision.

Parole

The early release of individuals from incarceration on the condition that they comply with certain conditions.

Crime Prevention

Strategies and programs aimed at reducing the likelihood of criminal behavior.

Crime Control

Strategies and programs aimed at detecting and punishing criminal behavior.

Criminology

The scientific study of crime and criminal behavior.

Victimology

The scientific study of the impact of crime on victims.

Restorative Justice

An approach to criminal justice that emphasizes repairing the harm caused by crime.

White-Collar Crime

Non-violent crimes committed by individuals or organizations in the course of their professional or business activities.

Organized Crime

Crime committed by groups of individuals working together for financial gain.

Cybercrime

Crime committed using the internet or other digital technologies.

Hate Crime

Crimes motivated by bias or prejudice against a particular group.

Terrorism

The use of violence or the threat of violence to achieve political or ideological goals.

Juvenile Delinquency

Criminal behavior committed by individuals under the age of 18.

Corporate Crime

Crimes committed by corporations or other business entities

Victimless Crimes

Crimes that do not involve a direct victim

Crime Rates

Number of crimes reported per 100,000 people

Clearance Rates

Percentage of crimes solved by law enforcement

Violent Crimes

Category including murder, assault, rape, and robbery

Property Crimes

Category including theft, burglary, and vandalism

Public Order Crimes

Category including disorderly conduct and loitering

White-Collar Crimes

Category including fraud and insider trading

Cybercrimes

Category including hacking and online fraud

Organized Crimes

Category including gang activity and human trafficking

Financial Crimes

Category including money laundering and tax evasion

Environmental Crimes

Category including pollution and illegal dumping

Hate Crimes

Crimes motivated by prejudice or bias

Drug-Related Crimes

Category including drug trafficking and possession

Sexual Crimes

Category including rape and sexual assault

Traffic Crimes

Category including drunk driving and speeding

Weapons Crimes

Category including illegal possession of firearms

Terrorism-Related Crimes

Category including terrorism and cyberterrorism

Juvenile Crimes

Crimes committed by minors

Elder Crimes

Crimes against elderly individuals

Cyber-Enabled Crimes

Crimes facilitated by technology

Wildlife Crimes

Crimes related to wildlife, such as poaching

Physical Harm

Injuries, disabilities, or death caused by crime

Emotional Trauma

Anxiety, depression, PTSD resulting from crime

Financial Loss

Theft, property damage, or loss of income due to crime

Loss of Personal Freedom

Incarceration or probation as a consequence of crime

Stigma and Shame

Social isolation and guilt following a crime

Fear and Anxiety

Anxiety and fear of future victimization

Disruption of Daily Life

Changes in routine and decreased productivity due to crime

Impact on Relationships

Strained relationships with others after a crime

Fear of Crime

Increased fear and anxiety in the community

Social Disorganization

Breakdown of social norms due to crime

Economic Decline

Reduced property values and increased poverty from crime

Community Disinvestment

Reduced community resources due to crime

Increased Policing

More police presence and surveillance in response to crime

Racial and Socioeconomic Tensions

Exacerbation of social inequalities by crime

Economic Burden

Increased costs and burden on taxpayers due to crime

Educational Attainment

Level of education achieved by an individual

Dropout Rates

Percentage of students who leave school before completing their education

Academic Performance

Student's achievements in school or academic settings

Political Implications

Effects on laws, policies, and political priorities

Media Perception

How the media portrays and influences public opinion

Public Health Impact

Effects on infectious diseases, mental health, and substance abuse

Environmental Degradation

Deterioration of the environment due to various factors

Social Capital

Resources and benefits that come from social networks and relationships

Human Rights Impact

Violations of rights related to safety, security, and dignity

Law Enforcement Effects

Impacts on workload, stress, and burnout among officers

Healthcare System Impact

Effects on demand for healthcare services

Social Services Demand

Increased need for services like counseling, housing, and food assistance

Education System Effects

Impacts on resources and services in the education sector

Political Institutions Changes

Alterations in laws, policies, and political priorities

Community Organizations

Groups providing resources and services within a community

Faith-Based Organizations

Groups offering spiritual support and social services based on faith

Business and Economy

Effects on economic investment, security costs, and consumer confidence

Government Agencies

Departments responsible for providing government services

Deviance

Behavior that violates social norms, expectations, or laws

Anomie

State of society with a lack of social norms or breakdown in norms

Deviance Amplification

Process where deviant behavior is exaggerated through media or social reaction

Deviance Avowal

Acknowledgment and acceptance of one's deviant behavior

Deviance Denial

Rejection or denial of one's deviant behavior

Deviant Behavior

Actions that go against societal norms, expectations, or laws

Deviant Career

Pattern of deviant behavior becoming a way of life

Deviant Community

Group sharing deviant values, norms, and behaviors

Deviant Culture

Culture that promotes or values deviant behavior

Deviant Identity

Individual's self-perception as a deviant

Deviant Organization

Formal or informal group promoting deviant behavior

Deviant Subculture

Subgroup sharing deviant values, norms, and behaviors

Differential Association

Process of learning deviant behavior through interactions

Labeling

Attaching negative labels or stereotypes to individuals or groups

Labeling Theory

Theory that deviance results from labeling individuals as deviant

Moral Entrepreneur

Individual or group advocating for changes in social norms or laws

Neutralization techniques

Strategies used to justify deviant behavior

Primary deviance

Initial acts of deviance seen as isolated incidents

Secondary deviance

Repeated deviant acts forming a pattern