Chapter 2 notes

2.1 Crimes & Criminal Justice

A crime is an act that violates the rules of society, or the law

There are 3 levels of crimes: felonies, misdemeanors, and infractions
A felony is a major crime. It is punishable by a fine, imprisonment, or both.
Examples of felonies are murder, kidnapping, and aggravated assault.
A misdemeanor is a less serious crime. It is punishable by a fine, imprisonment, or both, but not as severely as a felony.
Minor theft, driving without a license, and simple assault are misdemeanors.
An infraction is a minor offense. It is punishable by a fine, but not imprisonment.
Speeding and jaywalking are infractions.

A crime requires 2 elements:
1) The criminal act
2) The required state of mind
To prove a crime occurred does not require proving a motive.

Defenses to committing a crime include:
• Insanity
• Self defense
• Entrapment
• Defense of family members

Entrapment is when a person is tricked by a police officer into committing a crime.

2.2 Types of Crimes

Crimes can be categorized into crimes against:
• People
• Business
• Society
• Property
• Government

Crimes against people include:
Murder
Assault
Kidnapping
Domestic violence
Manslaughter
Battery
Sexual offenses

Murder is the intentional killing of another person.
Manslaughter is killing another person without intending to do so.
Domestic violence laws protect children, spouses, and other family members from neglect, physical abuse, or mental abuse by other family members.

Crimes against property include:
Burglary
Robbery
Larceny
Vandalism

Larceny is taking property without intending to return it.
Burglary is breaking into a house to take property.
Robbery is taking property through violence or the threat of violence.
Vandalism is malicious damage to property.

Crimes against business include:
Embezzlement
Fraud
Shoplifting
Arson
Money laundering
Forgery

Crimes against the government include:
Treason
Bribery
Obstruction of justice
Perjury
Contempt of court

Crimes against society include:
Disorderly conduct
Rioting

Another category of crimes is motor vehicle violations. This includes:
Drag racing
Joyriding