Crime

Definition

Crime is any behavior or action that violates a law established by a governmental authority, subjecting the violator to legal punishment. It can range from minor infractions such as traffic violations to major offenses like murder.

Related terms

Deviance: Deviation from societal norms and expectations without necessarily breaking a law.

Social Control: Mechanisms, strategies, and institutions society employs to persuade or enforce conformity to its norms and laws.

Criminal Justice System: The network of courts, law enforcement agencies, and correctional facilities involved in apprehension, prosecution, and punishment of criminals