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 Includes State and Federal Courts Judges Lawyers Police Prisons All enforce Criminal Law. Juvenile Justice System
Types of Crimes States have penal code(written laws) Petty Offenses 3 types of crimes 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.
Burglary Kidnapping Arson Rape Felonies The most serious of crimes Fraud
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 rights Right to vote Owning a firearm Serve on a jury Also 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 Data http://www.fbi.gov/ucr/cius2008/arrests/index. html
Explain the effects criminal acts have on their intended victims. Psychological and physical effects Property damage Personal injury Victim advocates, support groups, civil actions.
Explain the different types of defenses used by perpetrators of crime. Insanity Defense Alibi Presumption of Innocence Reasonable Doubt Self 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)