Defining And Measuring Crime Flashcards
(33 cards)
offender profiling definition
Also known as ‘criminal profiling’, a behavioural and analytical tool that is intended to help investigators accurately predict and profile the characteristics of unknown criminals
The top-down approach definition
Profilers start with pre-established typology and work down in order to assign offenders to one of the two categories based on witness accounts and evidence from the crime scene
Organised offender definition
an offender who shows evidence of planning, targets the victim and tends to be socially and sexually competent with higher-than-average intelligence
disorganised offender definition
an offender who shows little evidence of planning, leaves clues and tends to be socially and sexually incompetent with lower-than-average intelligence
crime definition
an act committed in violation of the law where the consequence of conviction is by a court is punishment, especially where the punishment is a serious one such as imprisonment
official statistics definition
figures based on the numbers of crimes that are reported and recorded by the police which are often used by the government to inform crime prevention strategies
victims survey (or victimisation survey) definition
a questionnaire that asks a sample of people which crimes have been committed against them over a fixed period of time and whether or not they have been reported to the police
offender survey definition
a self-report measure that requires people to record the number and types of crime they have committed over a specified period
Why is crime difficult to define?
Because laws change over time, vary by culture, and not all illegal acts are punished. Definitions of crime are influenced by legal, historical, and cultural factors.
What is the legal definition of crime?
An act that breaks the law and warrants some form of punishment.
Give an example of a cultural difference in defining crime
Bigamy is a crime in the UK but not in cultures that practice polygamy.
When was forced marriage made illegal in the UK?
2014
Give an example of a historical change in what is defined as a crime.
Homosexuality was a crime in the UK until 1967.
When was smacking children outlawed in the UK?
2004, under the Children’s Act.
Is dropping litter a crime?
Yes, under the Clean Neighbourhoods and Environmental Act 2005.
What law makes cycling on the pavement a crime?
Section 72 of the Highways Act 1835.
Is not wearing a seatbelt a crime?
Yes, unless you have a medical exemption with proof.
Why is illegally downloading music a crime?
It breaches copyright law without the authority of the holder.
What law is broken when someone uses someone else’s Wi-Fi without permission?
The Computer Misuse Act 1990.
Is taking sauce sachets from a café a crime?
Yes, it’s considered theft if you take them dishonestly.
What is the legal issue with taking stationery from work or school?
It is theft if done without permission and with intent to permanently deprive
Is going on holiday in school time without permission a crime?
Yes, parents can be fined for not ensuring their child’s education.
Is using a fake name online always a crime?
Yes, if it’s to mislead public authorities or impersonate for false gain.
What’s the legal status of using Facebook under the age of 13?
It violates Facebook’s terms, not UK criminal law, unless used to deceive.
