What is a crime?
• A crime is an act that violates the
laws of the State, or National
government.
Two Types of Crime
1. Felony – a crime punishable by death, or
imprisonment for more than one year.
2. Misdemeanor – a crime punishable by a
fine, or imprisonment for less than one
year.
Felonies
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Arson
Burglary
Distribution of illegal drugs
Grand theft
Rape
Murder
Vandalism of Federal property
Misdemeanors
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Traffic violations
Trespassing
Petty theft – under $500
Public intoxication
Indecent exposure
Driving under the influence
Prostitution
Why do people commit
crimes?
•
•
•
•
•
Poverty
Anger
Revenge
Survival
Personality
How does crime impact its
victims?
• Physical harm
– Injuries
• Emotional harm
– Fear, anger, grief (for victims and their
families)
• Loss of property
– Some items are irreplaceable
Victim’s Impact Statement
• In some trials, the victim or their family will
give statements to the jury that describe how
the crime affected their life.
• http://player.discoveryeducation.com/index.cf
m?guidAssetId=A78A449C-17DD-4423-BD690101B3D8716C&blnFromSearch=1&productco
de=US
Performance Task
• Each group of 2 will be given a card that
describes a crime that was committed against
you or a member of your family.
• You will write a Victim’s Impact Statement
describing how the crime affected you
physically and emotionally. You will also
include the punishment you think the criminal
deserves and why you feel that way.