Types of Crime Flashcards
Crime and Deviance, Types of Crime
1
Q
Crime and Deviance
Criminology
A
- The study of crime and criminal behaviour.
- Drawing on other disciplines like sociology to explain cause and prevent crime.
2
Q
Crime and Deviance
Crime
A
- An illegal act punishable by law.
- This can result in criminal proceedings if detected.
- For example, murder or theft.
3
Q
Crime and Deviance
Deviance
A
- Behaviour that does not conform to society’s norms.
- This leads to negative sanctions if detected.
- For example, bullying,
4
Q
Crime and Deviance
Formal Social Control
A
- Written rules and laws which when broken may result in negative sanctions.
- For example, it is a crime to kill someone.
5
Q
Crime and Deviance
Informal Social Control
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- Unwritten rules for social norms aimed at ensuring conformity.
- Deviance is non-conforming behaviour.
6
Q
Crime and Deviance
Legal Deviance
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- Behaviour considered abnormal by most people in society.
- It is not punishable by law.
7
Q
Crime and Deviance
Illegal Deviance
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- Behaviour that is considered deviant and is punishable by state.
- E.g. littering may be considered illegal deviance.
8
Q
Types of Crime
Volume Crime
A
- Offences whose nature influences society significantly.
- This is due to the amount and ability of the local police to confront them.
- For example: robbery, burglary, vehicle related crimes (car theft, speeding), anti-social behaviours (arson without intent, minor assault).
9
Q
Types of Crime
Major Crime
A
- Crimes against the person.
- For example: murder, serious assault, sex offences, abductions.
- Other complex cases may be assigned as major crime (e.g. preventing the course of justice).
10
Q
Types of Crime
Classification of Crime
A
- The legal system divides crime into categories based on the severity.
- Determines the procedure in court, the type of court and the criminal charge.
- The mildest crimes are known as summary offences; more serious crimes are triable either way; serious crimes are charged as indictable.
11
Q
Types of Crime
Summary Crime
A
- Also known as petty crime.
- A violation in common laws that can be proceeded without the right to jury trial and/or indictment.
- These are tried in the Magistrate’s court.
- For example: disorderly conduct, harassment, public intoxication and underage drinking.
12
Q
Types of Crime
Indictable Crime
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- Offence that a prosecutor can charge by bringing evidence of the alleged crime to grand jury.
- Often tried before a judge in the crime court.
- For example, murder.
13
Q
Types of Crime
Triable Either Way
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- A crime that can be tried either as a summary or indictable offence.
- For example: deception or fraud, theft, bigamy.
14
Q
Types of Crime
Crimes Against the Person
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- A crime that uses, or attempts to use, physical force or other abuse towards another person.
- This can be considered a summary offence (assault) or indictable crime (homicide, rape).
15
Q
Types of Crime
Crimes Against Properties
A
- Crime involving (usually private) property.
- Property crimes are typically summary offences (but can be indictable depending on severity).
- For example: burglary, theft, motor vehicle theft, vandalism.
- Usually performed to obtain money, property or some other benefit.