Crime
A crime is any act that is forbidden by law because it is harmful to people, property, or society. However, the definition of what constitutes a crime depends on the social and political factors in a particular society, and the nature of crime can change over time. According to the laws of the United States, an act generally must be committed with the specific intention of causing harm to be considered a crime.
Crime statistics compiled by the FBI in its yearly crime index show what many in the law enforcement field consider to be an encouraging trend. From 1990 to 1995, the crime rate declined steadily in every category: murders, rapes, assaults, robberies, burglaries, and thefts. Sociologists and criminologists debate the explanation…>> (read more)
Crime Points of View
5 Genetic Factors May Cause Criminal Behavior
6 Lack of Morals Causes Criminal Behavior
7 Lack of Religion Does Not Cause Crime
8 Crime Is Increasing
9 Crime Is Decreasing
10 Violent Crime Is Increasing
11 Increasing Fear of Crime Is Justified
12 Extent of Crime Has Been Exaggerated by the Media
13 Community Policing Strategies Do Little to Prevent Crime
14 Tough Punishments Are Necessary to Prevent Juvenile Crime
15 Both Prevention Programs and Punishment Are Needed to Control Juvenile Crime
16 Violence Prevention Programs Can Stop Juvenile Crime
17 Harsh Punishments for Juveniles Are Not Justified
18 Prevention Efforts Should Be Aimed at Adult Violence
19 Tougher Laws Can Prevent Crime
20 Imprisoning More Criminals Can Prevent Crime
21 Three Strikes Laws Can Prevent Crime
22 Community Policing Strategies Can Prevent Crime
23 Tougher Laws Will Not Prevent Crime
Crime
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Crime in the News
THE SOURCE: "American Murder Mystery" by Hanna Rosin, in The Atlantic, July-Aug. 2008.
EIGHT SHOTS EXPLODED outside a police station at the end of a suburban road…>> (read more)
Any crime you find in the big city you'll find here in [Kentucky's] Daniel Boone National Forest, but no big-city police officer gets the chance to deal with such…>> (read more)
Las Vegas Now: Eyewitness News reported the following after two couples, who were beaten by home intruders and told they would be killed, fought back and shot one intruder:…>> (read more)
Crime Statistics
