1. Crime in the United States
Chapter 16, Section 1
Crime in the
United States

2. I. 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, such as traffic violations and disturbing the peace

3. II. 5 Categories of Crimes
Crimes against Persons
Crimes against Property
Victimless Crimes
White-collar Crimes
Organized Crimes

4. A. Crimes against Persons
Most feared
Can harm a person, end a person’s life, or threaten to end a life
Homicide (Killing) is the most serious
16,000 homicides per year from
Aggravated assault is the most common
Physical injury done intentionally to another
900,000 aggravated assaults per year

5. A. Crimes against Persons (cont.)
Hate crimes – often violent crimes committed because of prejudice
Sexual violation – by force & against a person’s will
90,000 forcible rapes per year from

6. B. Crimes against Property
Most common category of crime
Stealing or destroying someone else’s property
Burglary, larceny, motor vehicle theft, robbery, vandalism, and arson

7. C. Victimless Crimes
The criminal does not violate another person’s rights, but mainly harms himself
Illegal gambling & illegal drug use
These usually lead to other types of crimes, such as theft and murder

8. D. White-Collar Crimes Copyright violation, embezzlement, and fraud
Non-violent crimes
Cyber crime – involves computers, where sensitive information is stored
Identity theft – someone uses your personal information to commit fraud
These crimes cost Americans billions of dollars, which causes higher prices

9. E. Organized Crime Specialize in providing illegal goods and services
Gambling, drug-trafficking, prostitution, etc.
Usually run legal businesses that serve as covers for illegal activities
Use threats of violence to keep people from going to the police

10. II. Causes of Crime (6) Poverty Illegal Drug Use Permissive Society
Urbanization
Other Causes of Crime
No Single Cause

11. B. Illegal Drug Use A. Poverty
When people can’t support themselves, they may turn to crime to obtain what they can’t afford
May steal to support a drug habit, sell drugs, or act under the influence of drugs

12. C. Permissive Society D. Urbanization
Many parents let their children do whatever they want
This can lead to children committing crimes, b/c they don’t know any better
Some believe judges are too easy when sentencing criminals
More people live in cities, which means there are more victims for criminals
More young people in cities (people <25 yrs. Old account for 50% of arrests in the U.S.)

13. F. No Single Cause E. Other Causes
Technological and social change may lead to crime
No education
Society’s attitude toward right and wrong has changed
Violence in the media
Not enough $ on law enforcement
Today’s crime problem probably cannot be blamed on any single cause
Combination of the other 5 causes

14. III. Fighting Crime National Crime Bill (1994):
Increase # of police officers & expand prison system
Tougher penalties for criminals
3-strikes rule
Community Policing program
Requires citizens to get involved
Report crimes, take precautions, support police