Defining and Measuring Crime
Crime: “any act that breaks the law and warrants some form of punishment”
Problems in defining crime (A03)
Cultural Issues:
• Laws vary across cultures.
• In this country, having more than one wife is the crime of bigamy.
• In many cultures (Malaysia, Utah, parts of Africa) polygamy is perfectly legal.
Historical Issues:
• Laws change over time.
• Until 1967, homosexuality was considered a crime in this country
Age:
• The concept that someone has committed a crime means that they should understand it is
unacceptable
• The age at which a child understands the difference between right and wrong is difficult to
ascertain
• The age of criminal responsibility varies from country to country (anything between 7-18
years)
Circumstance:
• There are circumstances in which the legal system can make allowances to take the situation
and circumstance of a crime into account.
• Actus reus -the crime should be a voluntary act
• Mens rea - the intention to do the crime
Crime: “any act that breaks the law and warrants some form of punishment”
Problems in defining crime (A03)
Cultural Issues:
• Laws vary across cultures.
• In this country, having more than one wife is the crime of bigamy.
• In many cultures (Malaysia, Utah, parts of Africa) polygamy is perfectly legal.
Historical Issues:
• Laws change over time.
• Until 1967, homosexuality was considered a crime in this country
Age:
• The concept that someone has committed a crime means that they should understand it is
unacceptable
• The age at which a child understands the difference between right and wrong is difficult to
ascertain
• The age of criminal responsibility varies from country to country (anything between 7-18
years)
Circumstance:
• There are circumstances in which the legal system can make allowances to take the situation
and circumstance of a crime into account.
• Actus reus -the crime should be a voluntary act
• Mens rea - the intention to do the crime
