Lecture-1, Crime and Criminal, types of crime, classification of crime

In this lecture, I will explain the definition of crime , elements of crime, classification and types of crime.
What is crime and its elements
what is crime and types of crime
Defining crime is very important in CSS criminology for competitive examination. In today's lecture, I will teach the aspirants about crime, various definitions of crime, elements of crime and will discuss actus Reus, Mens Rea and will explain the elements of crime. We will also discuss classification of crime and understand infractions, misdemeanors and felonies. In the later part of the lecture, I will discuss types of crime and will explain crime against person, crime against property, inchoate crime, statuary crime, white collar crime, organized crime and cyber crime.

1. Classification of Crime CSS Knowledge Inn Manzoor Sarwar Ch. , PSP Criminology Crime Types of Crime Elements of Crime

2. Sequence Definition of crime Elements of crime Classification of crime Types of crime 2

3. Definitions of Crime ‘ A crime is an act which is illegal . It’s against the law, specifically the criminal law” T he act will have two aspects to it – An aspect of criminal harm An aspect of criminal blame . 3

4. Crime is a public wrong . It is an act of offense which violates the law of the state and is strongly disapproved by the society. Crime is defined as acts or omissions forbidden by law that can be punished by imprisonment or fine . 4 Definitions of Crime

5. The term crime is derived from the Latin word “crimen” meaning offence and also a wrong-doer . Crime is considered as an anti-social behaviour . Each society defines crime in a different perspective. 5 Definitions of Crime

6. Merriam Webster defines crime as:-   “An illegal act for which someone can be punished by the government, especially a gross violation of law” 6 Definitions of Crime

7. Thorsten Sellin (1931) "Any form of conduct which is forbidden by the law under pain of some punishment " 7 Definitions of Crime

8. Criminologist Paul Tappan (1960) defines crime as “ An intentional act or omission in violation of criminal law, committed without defense or justification , and sanctioned by the state as a felony or misdemeanor.” 8 Definitions of Crime

9. Sir William Blackstone in his book commentaries on the law of England, defines crimes as:- “An act committed or omitted in violation of a Public law forbidding or commanding it” 9 Definitions of Crime

10. Crime is defined in Halsbury’s Laws of England as “An unlawful act or default which is an offence against public and render the person guilty of the act or default liable to legal punishment” 10 Definitions of Crime

11. Salmond maintains that a crime is:- “ An act deemed by law to be harmful to society in general, even though its immediate victim is an individual” 11 Definitions of Crime

12. Edwin Sutherland , noted criminologist defines crime in terms of criminal behaviour as : “Criminal behaviour is behaviour in violation of criminal law. No matter what the degree of immorality, reprehensibility, or indecency of an act, it is not a crime unless it is prohibited by criminal law. 12 Definitions of Crime

13. According to Samuel Koenig “ Crime may be defined as any act forbidden by law which society expects its authorized officials to enforce .” According to F.R. Scarpitti and M.L. Andersen “ Crime can be defined in terms of the body of law that codifies a society’s rules about proper and improper behaviour.” 13 Definitions of Crime

14. Hall Jerome has defined crime as “Legally forbidden and intentional action which has a harmful impact on social interests, which has a criminal intent, and which has legally-prescribed punishment for it .” Elliot and Merrill “ Crime may be defined as anti-social behaviour which the group rejects and to which it attaches penalties.” 14 Definitions of Crime

15. With exceptions,  every crime has at least three elements : A criminal act, also called Actus Reus A criminal intent, also called Mens rea Concurrence  of the two. 15 Elements of crime

16. Five conditions must be met : An act must involves harm inflicted on someone by the actor The act must be legally prohibited at the time it is committed The perpetrator must have criminal intent (mens-rea ). There must be a causal relationship between the voluntary misconduct and the harm. There must be some legally prescribed punishment for actor 16 Crime Explained

17. The act is prohibited by law and contains legally prescribed punishments . “ Nullum crimen sine lege ” (no crime without law) is the Latin expression , the notion that “ex post facto” (after-the-fact) laws are inappropriate. The act must be forbidden by law in advance of the commission of the act . 17 Crime Explained

18. A criminal act, “Actus Reus” (the act itself, or the physical element), must have taken place. Social harm of a conscious, voluntary nature is required . There must be harm to the state, society or to people . 18 Crime Explained

19. The act is performed intentionally . “ Mens rea” (criminal intent or “guilty mind”) is important in establishing guilt. A person who may have committed a criminal act may be found not guilty under certain conditions , such as insanity or a history of mental disturbance, children 19 Crime Explained

20. Classification of crime Crime can be classified into three categories . Infraction Non Cognizable Misdemeanors Simple crime Felonies Heinous crime Possible punishments determine the differences between misdemeanors and felonies. 20

21. Classification of crime Infraction : Infractions are petty crimes , infractions consist of minor criminal offenses . Generally violation of rules Most infractions are punished by fines instead of jail and do not require attendance in court. Infractions are classified as local crimes against traffic laws. 21

22. Although an infraction is considered to be a minor case , failure to resolve the penalty charges within the deadline could lead to greater consequences. For example, multiple points on a license could lead to license suspension or revocation. 22 Classification of crime

23. The accumulation of infractions could develop into a misdemeanor or possible jail time . Different infraction cases include: (Violation of rules) Traffic rules violations Violation of building codes, Littering 23 Classification of crime

24. Misdemeanors : Misdemeanors are minor crimes that the government punishes by confinement in a jail for a year or less. Examples include petty theft , simple assault, disorderly conduct , and disturbing the peace. 24 Classification of crime

25. Felonies : Felonies are serious crimes that the government punishes by death or incarceration in a prison for a longer period. This group includes such crimes as murder, rape, robbery, and burglary. 25 Classification of crime

26. Types of crime The criminal acts can be divided into following primary categories: Crimes against person Property Crimes Inchoate Crimes Statutory Crimes White Collar Crime Cyber Crime Organized Crime 26

27. Types of crime Crime against person Crimes against person are those that result in physical or mental harm to another person . These can be categorized as Homicide or murder Attempted murder Simple or grievous injury (hurt) Kidnaping for ransom , Rape or sexual assaults Child abuse. 27

28. Types of crime Crimes against property Crimes against property typically involve interference with the property of another. It may also involves physical or mental harm , but primarily results in the deprivation of property. Crimes includes, Thefts,  Burglary ,   Robbery ,   Vehicle theft ,  Shoplifting , Mobile snatching Cash snatching. 28

29. Types of crime Inchoate Crimes Inchoate crimes refer to those crimes that were initiated but not completed , and acts that assist in the commission of another crime . Inchoate crimes require more than a person simply intending or hoping to commit a crime. The individual must take a “substantial step” towards the completion of the crime. Inchoate crimes include   aiding and abetting ,  attempt , and  conspiracy . Inchoate crimes can be punished to the same degree or, the punishment might be less severe. 29

30. Statutory Crimes Statutory crimes include those crimes, in addition to the crimes discussed above, which are proscribed by special statute . The significant types of statutory crimes are  alcohol related crimes ,  drug crimes ,  traffic offenses , and  financial/white collar crimes . These crimes are specifically prohibited by statute because society hopes to deter individuals from engaging in them. Types of crime 30

31. White collar Crime Finally, financial crimes often involve deception or fraud for financial gain. Although white-collar crimes derive their name from the corporate officers who historically perpetrated them. These crimes include many types of fraud and blackmail , embezzlement  ,  tax evasion , and  cybercrime . Types of crime 31

32. Cyber Crime Cyber crimes are that category of crime which is committed by using information technology. Computers are used to commit crime which contains a wide variety of offences The offences are Denial of service, dubious financial transections, ATM/Debit card frauds , criminal intimidation , identity theft, pornography and black mailing. Types of crime 32

33. Types of crime Organized Crime Organized crime is committed by structured groups typically involving the distribution and sale of illegal goods and services . The term can refer to any group that exercises control over large illegal enterprises. such as the Drug trade, Gambling , Prostitution, Weapons smuggling , Money laundering. 33

34. Next Lecture My next criminology lecture will be on Criminals and types of criminals 34

35. Thank you My Almighty Allah bless you 35