Crime + Punishment

crime of passion

a crime, especially murder, caused by strong emotions such as sexual jealousy. Example: Crimes of passion are often committed impulsively and regretted later

to serve a prison sentence

to spend time in prison as a punishment. Example: He is serving a long prison sentence for robbery

to turn to crime/drugs

to start committing crimes or using drugs. Example: Some unemployed young people turn to crime to obtain money

to be tough on crime

to punish crime severely. Example: Governments may reduce crime by being tough on serious offenders

to contest the verdict

to disagree with and challenge the decision made in court. Example: The accused person has the right to contest the verdict

to reintegrate back into society/community

to help someone return to normal life in society after prison. Example: Education programmes can help prisoners reintegrate back into society

to be soft on crime

to avoid imposing strict punishments on offenders. Example: Governments should not be soft on serious crime

a policy of zero tolerance

a policy of punishing every illegal action strictly, even minor offences. Example: A policy of zero tolerance may deter antisocial behaviour

a chance of rehabilitation

an opportunity to return to a normal life after committing a crime. Example: Ex-offenders should be given a chance of rehabilitation

to embark on something

to start something new, often something difficult or risky. Example: Young people may embark on a life of crime because of bad influences

to make a fresh start

to begin again after past mistakes. Example: Former prisoners should have the chance to make a fresh start

to act as a deterrent

to discourage someone from doing something. Example: Longer prison sentences may act as a deterrent

to release back into society

to free prisoners after they have completed their sentences. Example: Prisoners need support when they are released back into society

corporal punishment

punishment that physically harms the offender. Example: Many schools have abandoned corporal punishment

drug trafficking

the illegal trade in drugs. Example: Drug trafficking is often linked to organised crime

a non-custodial sentence

a punishment that does not involve going to prison. Example: Courts may give non-custodial sentences for minor offences

to be found guilty

to be judged by a court to have committed a crime. Example: People found guilty of serious offences should face appropriate punishment

the full weight of the law

the strictest punishment allowed by law. Example: Serious criminals should face the full weight of the law

to impose a ban on something

to officially prohibit something. Example: Governments often impose a ban on selling tobacco to minors

to convict a criminal

to find someone guilty of a crime in court. Example: Strong evidence is needed to convict a criminal

law-abiding citizens

people who obey and respect the law. Example: The government should protect law-abiding citizens

to enforce the law

to make sure that laws are obeyed. Example: The police and courts are responsible for enforcing the law

capital punishment

punishment by death. Example: Capital punishment remains controversial in many countries

forensic evidence

scientific evidence used in criminal investigations. Example: DNA samples are an important form of forensic evidence

to install surveillance cameras

to put cameras in places where crime may occur. Example: Surveillance cameras can help prevent theft in shopping centres

to put someone on probation

to require an offender to meet officials regularly instead of going to prison. Example: The young offender was put on probation

to punish wrongdoers

to punish people who do illegal things. Example: Governments must punish wrongdoers to protect society

to arrest suspects

to detain people whom the police believe may have committed a crime. Example: Police need sufficient evidence to arrest suspects

the letter of the law

the exact wording of the law, applied strictly. Example: Courts sometimes apply the letter of the law when sentencing criminal