1. Crime in the United States
7th Grade Civics
Miss Smith
*pgs

2. Types of Crime
Crime- any act that breaks the law and for which there is a punishment
Criminal- a person who commits any type of crime
Felonies- serious crimes, such as murder and kidnapping
Misdemeanors- less serious offenses, such as traffic violations and disturbing the peace
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) collects info on crime in the U.S.

3. Types of Crime Crimes against Persons
Violent crimes- done w/ force or threat of force
Aggravated assault- any kind of physical injury that is done intentionally to another person
Hate crimes- committed against people because of prejudice (often violent crimes)
What is the most serious violent crime? How many were committed in the U.S. annually from 2001 to 2008? Homicide; more than 16,00

4. Types of Crime Crimes against Property
Stealing or destroying someone else’s property
Burglary- illegally entering someone’s home with the intent to steal
Robbery- a crime that involves both property and people
Larceny- theft without force/violence
Arson- setting fires
Vandalism- destruction of property
List some of the crimes committed against property in the U.S. burglary, larceny, vandalism, arson

5. Types of Crime Victimless Crimes
Crimes where the criminals do not violate another person’s rights, but mainly harm themselves
Ex: illegal gambling, illegal drugs, etc.
These crimes can lead to other types of crime
How could a victimless crime turn into a more serious crime that could potentially have a victim?

6. Types of Crime White-collar Crimes
Nonviolent crimes that range from copyright violations to embezzlement and fraud
Embezzlement- theft of money that has been entrusted to an individual’s care
Fraud- cheating someone out of money or property
Cybercrime- computer hacking
Identity theft

7. Causes of Crime
Poverty- when people can’t earn enough to support themselves
Illegal Drug Use- acting under the influence, or stealing to support their addictions
Permissive Society- letting children do what they want doesn’t teach them responsibility
How can poverty and unemployment contribute to crime in society? When people can’t earn enough money to support themselves and their families, they may turn to crime to obtain things they don’t have
Why do some people believe that a permissive society contributes to crime? Do you agree? Why (not)?

8. No Single Cause of crime
Causes of Crime
Urbanization- more people in one area means more potential victims
Other Causes- more technology, lack of education, violence in the media, lack of resources
No Single Cause of crime

9. Fighting Crime Increase the number of police officers
Expand the prison system
Tougher legal penalties
3 strikes rule- life sentences to 3 time violent offenders
How can people try to remain safe from crime? By reporting all crimes that they see and taking common-sense precautions to ensure their safety an the safety of others
What strategies were included in the national crime bill of 1994? Increasing the number of police officers and expanding the prison system, etc.