I. Crimes and criminals

1.1.  You are going to read a text about different types of crimes. Team up with another student to discuss the questions that follow.

In different times and places what has been considered a crime has varied greatly. But in the modern world there are certain acts such as treason, murder, robbery, assault, rape that are almost universally regarded as crimes. A crime is a public wrong. Even when committed against an individual crimes are considered to harm the wellbeing of society in general. A case is heard in the criminal court.

The legal term for a private wrong is a tort (harm to a person, his property or reputation, through the unlawful or dangerous activity of others). Such matters as traffic accidents, slander, libel, personal injury, medical malpractice and trespass are dealt with by tort law. A case is heard in the civil court.

The common law originally divided crimes into two categories – felonies and misdemeanors. Felonies are very serious crimes (homicide, arson, rape, robbery, burglary, larceny, kidnapping, tax evasion, drug dealing) which are punishable by terms in a state or federal prison. Misdemeanors are less serious crimes (disorderly conduct, public drunkenness, ordinary automobile driving violations, some types of assault, perjury, libel, minor sex offences, selling liquor to minors, operating an illegal gambling establishments). Misdemeanors are punishable by fines or by imprisonment in a local jail.

People commit crimes against:

– individuals (homicide, battery, assault, kidnapping);

– property (theft, mugging, trespass);

– the state (treason, sedition, rebellion).

Crimes committed by business people, professionals and politicians in the course of their occupation are known as white-collar crimes. Such violations usually involve fraud, swindle, counterfeiting, tax cheating and other duplicity in financial dealings. Today, the term covers such acts as cheating in the payment of taxes – which may or may not be done in connection with one’s business. It may apply to petty thefts by employees, as well as to million-dollar stock market swindles.

The increasing use of computers has created new opportunities for white-collar crime. Computer crimes are difficult to detect but easy to accomplish once a criminal learns the code or password to activate the system.

Organized crime consists of large-scale activities by groups of gangsters or racketeers. Organized crime specializes in providing illegal goods and services. Its activities include gambling, drug trafficking, smuggling, bookmaking, loansharking, prostitution, labour racketeering.

Political crime became an increasingly serious criminal activity during the 1970s. It includes acts of terrorism against innocent people and assassinations of leading political figures throughout the world. Unlike many criminals who seek money or personal gain through crime, most terrorists and assassins commit crimes to show support for political cause. Since the early 1970’s, political crimes such as airplane hijackings, assassinations, bombings, and the taking of hostages have become most frequent. As a result, most governments have taken steps to guard against terrorists (security at airports, embassies, and other potential targets has been increased, specially trained law enforcement or military units have been formed).

• What are the most common crimes?

• What crimes, in your opinion, are the most difficult to clear up? Why?

• How may crimes be classified?

• What crimes can be included in the group of crimes against property / people / state?

• Some social scientists classify crimes according to the motives of the offenders. Such crimes might include economic crimes, political crimes, and crimes of passion (crime committed out of sexual jealousy, towards which courts of law in some countries are lenient). What crimes can be referred to as economic, political or crimes of passion?