Criminal Activity

Standards

SSCG21 The student will describe the causes and effects of criminal activity.

• Examine the nature and causes of crimes.

• Explain the effects criminal acts have on their intended victims.

• Categorize different types of crimes.• Explain the different types of

defenses used by perpetrators of crime.

Crimes

Crime: Act that breaks a law causing injury or harm to people and/or society in general.

Most crimes break state laws but more and more crimes break federal law, tax fraud, counterfeiting, drug trafficking, mail fraud, kidnapping crimes across state lines.

Criminal Justice System

IncludesState and Federal CourtsJudgesLawyersPolice PrisonsAll enforce Criminal Law.Juvenile Justice System

Types of Crimes

States have penal code(written laws)

3 types of crimesPetty Offenses• Parking illegally, minor traffic tickets,• Disturbing the peace• Trespassing

Punishments; ticket, citation not arrested.

Misdemeanors

More serious crimes. • Vandalism• Simple assault• Stealing (small items)• Bad checks (modest amts)• Drunk and Disorderly

Punishment: fine or jail for one year or less.

Felonies

• Burglary• Kidnapping• Arson• Rape

• Fraud• Forgery• Manslaughter• Murder

The most serious of crimes

Punishment for Felonies

Punishment for murder punishment can be death, in GA can be 1-20 years, life, life w/o parole or death.

Punishment can be prison for more than one year.

Felons may lose civil rightsRight to voteOwning a firearmServe on a juryAlso may lose right to certain jobs, military, law,

teaching and law enforcement. DUI is a misdemeanor that can lead to a felony if the

person has been convicted before.

Juvenile Justice System

Juvenile justice system is in place to deal with infants and children up to age 18.

Juvenile records are sealed, not open to the public; at age 18 the records can be expunged. (erased)

In some cases children as young as 13 have been tried as adults.

Front Line Website

Examine the nature and causes of crimes.Explain the effects criminal acts have on their intended

victims.

What are the reasons for committing crimes?

Psychological/Mental instability-rape (power and control), murder.

Need/Desire-a need or a want commit crimes like burglary, assault, robbery.

Societal-Social structure, lack of education, poverty, peer pressure.

Who commits crimes?

FBI Website Datahttp://www.fbi.gov/ucr/cius2008/arrests/index.html

Explain the effects criminal acts have on their intended victims.

Psychological and physical effectsProperty damage Personal injuryVictim advocates, support groups,

civil actions.

Explain the different types of defenses used by perpetrators of crime.

Insanity DefenseAlibi Presumption of InnocenceReasonable DoubtSelf Defense Under the Influence Entrapment http://www.nolo.com/legal-encyclopedia/article-30275.html

Enduring Understanding Essential Questions

Individuals commit crimes for different reasons.

Why do people commit crimes and what effects do these criminal acts have on their intended victims? (CG21)

 Due process rights are an essential part of

the civil justice system in a democratic society.

Why are due process rights important to individuals accused of committing a crime? (CG22)