A crime is any act, or omission, that violates public law. Public law includes both statutory laws and, in the United States, criminal common law. Most crimes require some level of intent. However, some minor crimes, such as parking violations, do not require prosecutors to prove intent.
Criminologists study crime as an illegal action society punishes through the legal system. They focus on the causes, prevention, and correction of crime generally.
Most criminals are motivated by a desire for material gain, power, or revenge. They may also be motivated by a variety of emotions, including anger, jealousy, and pride. Some criminals are unable to control their actions because of psychological or emotional problems. Others are unable to resist temptation because of drug or alcohol addictions.
Whether they are perpetrators or victims of crime, most people suffer some kind of harm. Most do not experience long-term effects, but some do, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Crimes can be very devastating for communities, as they lead to economic decline and social distancing.
While crime rates are a hot political topic, it is important to understand the nuances of how crime statistics are collected and reported. This chapter explores how to read and interpret various types of crime statistics, so you can become a more sophisticated consumer of crime data.