The term criminality is derived from the Latin word "crimen" meaning "guilt, accusation, charge or crime". Criminology recognises a wide variety of forms and types of crime. It has therefore not yet been possible to find a conclusive legal definition for this generic term for all types of criminal offences.
On the one hand, this is due to legal subtleties. On the other hand, the definition of crime is hindered by a grey area. This distinguishes a "trivial offence" from a criminal offence. In general, the term refers to anything that is considered a criminal offence or violation of the law in the eyes of the law.
Nowadays, we use several terms that contain the word "crime". We are talking about terms such as petty crime, serious crime, street crime or mass crime. These are criminal offences and violations of the law that have different dimensions.
Here we give definitions for these terms from the field of crime:
Petty criminals are crooks. They deal with petty offences such as pickpocketing or shoplifting, copyright infringements or breaking into cars to steal valuables.
These are offences that take place in public. The perpetrators prefer to act on public paths, in parks, on streets or in the hustle and bustle of tourist hotspots. Pickpocketing by "dancing up to" or jostling potential victims is common.
Strictly speaking, the term "trivial offence" also belongs to the area of criminality. It glosses over potentially criminally relevant behaviour or administrative offences. It refers to misconduct that is generally not considered dishonourable. This includes speeding offences in urban areas, running a red light, parking in no-parking zones or using a smartphone while driving a car. Travelling by train without a valid ticket is also considered a trivial offence. Charging private meals as business meals or making private photocopies in your own company are considered forgivable offences in society. However, superiors or criminal authorities may see things differently.
Serious criminals are "tough guys" who act professionally. They act as bank robbers, are involved in drug trafficking structures or commit other serious offences. They are often repeat offenders who have already served several prison sentences. Serious crime often goes hand in hand with violence and a desire for power.
The term "mass or everyday crime" describes offences that are frequently mentioned in crime statistics. The perpetrators often see their offences as petty crimes. This includes, for example, damage to property, theft of bicycles or cosmetics, electricity theft, fraudulently obtained benefits from the job centre and insurance fraud.
The most serious offences are summarised under these terms. These are often business-like forms of crime. Organised crime structures would also be classified here.
Crimes committed in an economic context are summarised under the term white-collar crime. In most cases, this involves illegal financial transactions such as fraud, corruption, insider trading and money laundering. However, industrial espionage and product piracy are also included in this area by definition. White-collar crime can be directed against private individuals, other companies or the state.
It is clear from the crime terms listed that some offences fit the definition of several types of crime. Another subdivision of terms would be petty offences, minor, medium, serious and serious crime. The transition from one state to the next is conceivable. For example, petty criminals who have been convicted several times often criminalise themselves in prison. They do not always become "serious offenders" there. However, they may switch to more lucrative "lines of business" or integrate themselves into existing structures and groups, such as the international drug trade.
The above distinctions are to be described as sub-concepts. They are defined by different degrees of criminal energy. The concept of crime encompasses the totality of all actions/interactions involving breaches of the law and criminal offences of any kind. There is a legal grey area when it comes to the exact definition. It concerns the question of where criminal energy begins and where negligence ends. In the end, it is often up to the courts to decide. Was there intent or was it an oversight?
It should also be noted that many offences and crimes are never reported. Crime statistics assume a high number of unreported offences. Cyber criminals are almost impossible to catch with the current methods used in criminal statistics. They operate from abroad and conceal their offences using technical means. In addition to young hackers, government authorities can also be behind such offences. Gangs of thieves also operate from abroad. They move cars and are already working at a different location tomorrow.
Three former RAF members have been travelling as bank robbers for years. They are not exposed because they act cleverly and disguise themselves skilfully. Many perpetrators operate from underground. Otherwise, they live a completely inconspicuous life.
The fight against and prevention of crime is called criminalistics and now also employs detectives alongside the police and law enforcement agencies, Security services, security services, IT specialists, experts in all fields, pathologists, forensic scientists, forensic experts, crime scene cleaners, profilers, psychologists and doctors.
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