Let’s explore how criminologists define crime. Commonly, a crime is defined as conduct in violation of local, state, or federal laws for which there is no legal justification or excuse. Criminal conduct can be an action (murder) or a lack of action (not getting insurance when required). Essentially, crime is what the law states you can or cannot do (Lynch et al., 2015).

For example, if someone killed another person while stealing their car, most people would agree that is a crime. Murder and robbery are usually seen as wrong and harmful to society and its order. But sometimes, it’s not so clear. Have you ever downloaded a movie or music without permission? While this action is against the law, many people do not see this as harmful or morally objectionable, especially in a digital age where sharing and accessing content online is common.

We will talk later about how we may create laws based on what can cause harm. Harm can be to the social order, physical, economic, social, emotional, environmental, and more. The criminal justice system is tasked with controlling crime in various ways. The police are in charge of finding offenders and taking them into custody. The courts make decisions and give out punishments. And then, there’s the correction system, which carries out punishments or tries to help people who broke the law get back on track.

Criminal Justice Process

Crime is any unlawful act based on the government of a place. It is a social problem that all governments have in common. When the law is broken, the criminal justice system must respond to try and make society whole again. The criminal justice system is made up of various parts that try to work together to reduce and prevent crime. Challenges may arise when parts of the system do not work together efficiently.

Licenses and Attributions for Crime and the Criminal Justice System

Open Content, Shared Previously

“Crime and the Criminal Justice System” is adapted from “1.2 Crime and the Criminal Justice System” by Shanell Sanchez in SOU-CCJ230 Introduction to the American Criminal Justice System by Alison S. Burke, David Carter, Brian Fedorek, Tiffany Morey, Lore Rutz-Burri, and Shanell Sanchez, licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 4.0. Modified by Sam Arungwa. Revisions by Roxie Supplee, licensed CC BY-NC-SA 4.0, include substantial editing to word choice and examples.