State Crime Flashcards
Define state crimes
Activities perpetrated by, or by order of, state agencies, such as governments that commit crimes to further their policies.
Examples of state crimes
Genocide, war crimes, torture, imprisonment without trial.
Who are the typical victims of state crimes?
Citizens of the country, or potentially those of a different religion or political view than the government.
Who are the typical offenders of state crimes?
High ranking government officials.
What is the level of awareness surrounding state crimes?
Usually high as the crimes are so extreme. Media and reporting is quick and often detailed.
Are state crimes considered criminal or deviant?
Both. Criminal as it is against laws and sometimes human rights. Deviant as against the general public’s moral compass.
Why are state crimes not reported?
• Fear of retaliation and backlash.
• Unaware of how to report or who to report to.
• Often committed by people with the authority and power to push their own beliefs onto society, so some may not know what is wrong.
What state crimes/crimes against humanity have Russia committed?
• deliberate targeting of civilian areas and the systematic mass killing of civilians.
• torture and rape of civilians in Ukraine and of Ukrainian prisoners held in Russian territory.
• forced deportation.
