Criminal insanity is a defense used when someone did not understand the consequences of a crime due to an altered mental state. It is not the same as mental illness or the ability to stand trial. The standards for this defense vary worldwide, and if successful, psychiatric treatment is recommended. Courts are cautious with this […]
A crime of violence is when one person inflicts bodily harm on another. Different countries have different definitions, making comparisons difficult. In the US, the FBI considers four felonies as violent crimes. Violent crime rates have been declining in the US since the early 1990s. Comparing murder rates is possible, with Western and Central Europe […]
Crime scene technicians analyze and obtain evidence at crime scenes, requiring a degree in criminal justice. They must have the ability to analyze evidence, categorize findings, and work confidently with other agencies. Technicians can work in law enforcement or the private sector and must stay current with advances in criminal science. A crime scene technician […]
State crimes are committed by governments or government agencies that violate their own laws, international law, or human rights. Acts that harm citizens or citizens of other countries can also be considered state crimes. Determining whether something is a state crime can be difficult, especially in authoritarian governments. State-sponsored terrorism, genocide, and war crimes are […]
Federal republics have both a federal government and a federation of states, each with its own government. The US is an example, with federal crimes occurring on federal property, involving high-ranking officials or having a relationship to interstate commerce. The FBI investigates federal crimes, while state laws cannot violate constitutional protections. Dual criminality means a […]
White-collar crime law refers to crimes committed by educated professionals in their profession, including fraud, embezzlement, insider trading, hacking, counterfeiting, and bribery. The term was coined in the late 1930s, named after professional males who wore white-collared shirts. Cyber crimes and identity theft are becoming more common. The law treats white-collar crimes as any other […]
Crime science focuses on reducing crime levels through data analysis and problem-solving. It differs from criminology, which studies evidence of crime. Crime science is a new field and often involves a mixture of methods. It aims to prevent crime by changing circumstances and eliminating risk through security systems. Crime scientists may also produce crime maps […]
Occupational offenses involve using one’s legal occupation to commit illegal acts, often for financial gain and at the expense of the employer. They are a form of white-collar crime and can range from minor theft to large-scale embezzlement. Occupational crimes are distinct from workplace crimes and occupational deviancy. The severity of consequences for occupational crimes […]
A crime is a legal wrong that causes injury to others and results in liability. Civil law distinguishes between felonies and quasi-felonies. A wrong can be purely civil or have both civil and criminal elements. Private crimes injure individuals, while public crimes harm the community. Being held responsible for a crime can have an impact […]
A crime of passion is committed under extreme emotional circumstances and involves the discovery of disturbing behavior by a lover or spouse, creating temporary insanity. It is both an act and a legal defense, but not acceptable everywhere. Planning is essential for the defense of passion crime, and it may only reduce the sentence. Proving […]
Counterfeiting involves altering legal documents with the intent to defraud, often for financial gain or identity theft. Forgery is similar but may involve obtaining goods or services. Penalties vary by state and severity of the crime. Criminal counterfeiting knowingly alters or modifies any information on a legal document with the intent to defraud an agency […]
Criminal convictions can result in lengthy prison sentences, fines, and restitution, as well as limited job prospects and revoked rights. Appeals may be filed, but may not be effective for serious offenses. Probation and parole may be granted, but strict supervision is required. Reforms and clearing convictions from records may be possible, but consequences in […]
The National Crime Information Center is a global criminal database maintained by the FBI. It contains records of various criminals, including terrorists, and is accessible to law enforcement agencies worldwide. The database has grown from 350,000 records in 1967 to over 15 million in 2009. The litigants can access their records online and request corrections […]
Crime scene photos are crucial for investigators to record the original scene before evidence is collected. Photos are taken at three levels: general, medium, and close-up. They help detectives remember details and can be used as visual evidence in court cases. Photos must be clear and use scales where appropriate. One of the most important […]
Federal offenses are crimes determined by a national government, often with stricter penalties than local laws. The definition of federal crimes and resulting penalties vary by country. Crimes can range from serious offenses like murder to minor misdemeanors. The power to define and prosecute federal crimes comes from national laws, often created through a democratic […]
A felony is a serious violation of the law, with consequences that can include jail time, fines, or even death. Crimes can be misdemeanors or felonies, with the latter carrying longer sentences. In most democratic societies, a person is innocent until proven guilty, and may be entitled to legal representation. A criminal record can negatively […]
Class A felonies are the most serious crimes, often including murder and rape, and carry severe penalties such as life imprisonment or the death penalty. The punishment depends on the crime, jurisdiction, and judge, with minimum sentences for repeat offenders and those using weapons or committing hate crimes. A class A felony is usually a […]
Child abuse is a serious crime where an adult inflicts bodily harm on a minor, often classified as life-threatening. Physical abuse is most common, but neglect that endangers a child may also be considered abuse. Convictions require testimony from a victim or witness, and punishment varies. Victims often require counseling to deal with PTSD and […]
Felony offenses are the most serious crimes, with a minimum sentence of two years in prison. However, not all offenders end up in prison due to rehabilitation programs and other solutions. Defendants may plead guilty to a lower level of crime to avoid harsher penalties and job difficulties. The burden of proof remains the same […]
Serial crimes are repetitive crimes committed by habitual offenders in the same way. Law enforcement databases help identify patterns and flag them as serial crimes. Serial crimes include murder, rape, arson, bombing, robbery, stalking, and juvenile crimes. Serial crimes stem from a passion and often involve abuse or loss in the offender’s past. The real […]
