PLATEAU STATE UNIVERSITY, BOKKOS

FACULTY OF SOCIAL SCIENCE

GROUP 3

ASSIGNMENT QUESTION:
Write extensively on crime, types of crime,
causes of crime and enhancers of crime.

SUMMITED TO:
ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR DASHIT SAMSON
ISHAYA
NO. NAMES OF GROUP MEMBERS MATRIC. NUMBER
1. GURUMLAT MILDRED PLASU/2016/FNS/0357
2. UKEDJERE EMMANUEL STEPHEN PLASU/2021/FSS/0052
3. DAVID NENRIT PETER PLASU/2019/FSS/0395
4. BAYARA RUTH MONDAY PLASU/2019/FSS/0484
5. CHIRMAN BLESSING GODIYA PLASU/2019/FSS/0246
6. MANGUT UCHAM MICHAEL PLASU/2019/FSS/0558
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 7. SELE JOSEPH EZEKIEL PLASU/2019/FSS/0362
8. AWAL DANJUMA PLASU/2019/FSS/0429
9. GIRE DOOSE STEVE PLASU/2018/FSS/0096
10. EMMANUEL DORCAS ABOK PLASU/2019/FSS/0068
11. POZUHUM BIPLANG MARK PLASU/2020/FSS/0526
12. REJOICE KANGYANG CHOJI PLASU/2019/FSS/0361
13. NGUMAR MERCY DAVID PLASU/2017/FNS/0089
14. LILIAN MANCHA KANGYANG PLASU/2019/FSS/0393
16. ATAWAL JOSRPH JEROME PLASU/2019/FSS/0452
17. MABWEH JOSEPH DANIEL PLASU/2019/FSS/0358
18. DANDAM NANGWAK EMMANUEL PLASU/2019/FSS/0042
19. SUNDAY PETER MANJUM PLASU/2019/FSS/0425
20. DANIEL BLESSING ALKALI PLASU/2019/FSS/0325
21. MASHAT BLESSING MONDAY PLASU/2019/FSS/0417
22. KAPAT SOLOMON HOSEA PLASU/2019/FSS/0318
23. DAMWES KYENSHAK KORZAK PLASU/2019/FSS/0568
24. RENGE ROSE ADAMS PLASU/2019/FSS/0127

Introduction

In ordinary language, a crime is an unlawful act punishable by a state or other

authority. The term crime does not, in modern criminal law, have any simple and

universally accepted definition, though statutory definitions have been provided for

certain purposes. The most popular view is that crime is a category created by law;

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in other words, something is a crime if declared as such by the relevant and

applicable law. One proposed definition is that a crime or offence (or criminal

offence) is an act harmful not only to some individual but also to a community,

society, or the state (“a public wrong”). Such acts are forbidden and punishable by

law.

Definition of crime

At its core, crime can be seen as any act that is punishable by law, including

felonies (serious offenses) and misdemeanors (lesser offenses). The legal definition

varies by jurisdiction, but generally, crime is divided into:

1. Personal Crimes: Such as assault, robbery, and homicide, which directly affect

individuals.

2. Property Crimes: These include burglary, theft, and vandalism, usually involving

the unlawful taking or damage of property.

3. White-Collar Crimes: Non-violent crimes for financial gain, typically committed

by individuals in their professional lives (e.g., fraud, embezzlement).

4. Victimless Crimes: Offenses such as drug use or prostitution, which do not have

a direct victim.

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5. Cyber Crimes: Crimes conducted through the internet or via digital technologies,

such as hacking or identity theft.

Types of crime

1) Violent Crimes:

1. Murder: Intentional killing of another person.

2. Manslaughter: Unintentional killing of another person.

3. Assault: Physical attack on another person.

4. Robbery: Theft with the use of force or intimidation.

5. Rape: Forced sexual intercourse without consent.

2) Property Crimes:

1. Theft: Unlawful taking of another person’s property.

2. Burglary: Breaking and entering into a building with intent to commit a crime.

3. Vandalism: Intentional destruction of another person’s property.

4. Arson: Intentional destruction of property using fire.

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3) White-Collar Crimes:

1. Fraud: Deception or misrepresentation for financial gain.

2. Embezzlement: Theft of money or property by an employee or person in a

position of trust.

3. Bribery: Offering or accepting something of value in exchange for influence or

favors.

4. Insider Trading: Trading securities based on confidential information.

4) Organized Crimes:

1. Gang Activity: Crimes committed by organized groups, such as gangs.

2. Racketeering: Engaging in a pattern of criminal activity, such as extortion or

bribery.

3. Money Laundering: Concealing the source of illegally obtained funds.

4. Human Trafficking: Recruiting, harboring, or transporting people for forced

labor or commercial sex.

5) Cybercrimes:

1. Hacking: Unauthorized access to computer systems or networks.

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2. Identity Theft: Stealing personal information, such as credit card numbers or

social security numbers.

3. Phishing: Using fake emails or websites to obtain sensitive information.

4. Cyberstalking: Using the internet to harass or threaten someone.

6) Environmental Crimes:

1. Pollution: Releasing hazardous substances into the environment.

2. Wildlife Trafficking: Illegally trading or transporting endangered species.

3. Deforestation: Clearing forests without permission or in excess of permitted

limits.

4. Hazardous Waste Disposal: Improperly disposing of hazardous waste.

7) Other Crimes:

1. Terrorism: Using violence or threats to intimidate or coerce, especially for

political purposes.

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2. War Crimes: Violations of the laws and customs of war, such as torture or

genocide.

3. Crimes Against Humanity: Widespread or systematic attacks against civilians,

including murder, torture, or enslavement.

4. Corruption: Abuse of power or position for personal gain.

Causes of crime

Crime is a complex and multifaceted issue, and there is no single cause. Instead, it

is often the result of a combination of factors, which can be broadly categorized

into individual, social, economic, and environmental factors.

1) Individual Factors:

1. Genetics: Research suggests that genetic factors can play a role in the

development of antisocial behavior and aggression.

2. Brain Structure and Function: Studies have found that individuals with certain

brain abnormalities, such as reduced activity in the prefrontal cortex, are more

likely to engage in criminal behavior.

3. Mental Health: Mental health issues, such as depression, anxiety, and personality

disorders, can contribute to criminal behavior.

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4. Substance Abuse: Substance abuse can impair judgment, increase aggression,

and lead to criminal behavior.

2) Social Factors:

1. Family Dynamics: Dysfunctional family relationships, parental neglect, and

abuse can contribute to the development of antisocial behavior.

2. Peer Influence: Associating with delinquent peers can lead to the adoption of

antisocial values and behaviors.

3. Social Learning: Observing and imitating others’ behavior, including criminal

behavior, can contribute to the development of antisocial behavior.

4. Social Isolation: Feeling disconnected from society and lacking social support

can contribute to criminal behavior.

3) Economic Factors:

1. Poverty: Economic deprivation and poverty can lead to feelings of frustration,

hopelessness, and desperation, which can contribute to criminal behavior.

2. Unemployment: Lack of employment opportunities and job instability can

contribute to economic stress and increase the likelihood of criminal behavior.

3. Income Inequality: Significant income inequality can lead to feelings of

resentment and frustration, which can contribute to criminal behavior.

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4) Environmental Factors:

1. Neighborhood Disorder: Living in neighborhoods with high levels of crime,

violence, and disorder can contribute to the development of antisocial behavior.

2. Access to Firearms: Easy access to firearms can increase the likelihood of

violent crime.

3. Media Violence: Exposure to violent media can contribute to the development of

aggressive attitudes and behaviors.

4. Climate Change: Climate change can lead to increased stress, displacement, and

competition for resources, which can contribute to criminal behavior.

5) Other Factors

1. Education: Lack of education and educational opportunities can contribute to

economic stress and increase the likelihood of criminal behavior.

2. Community Resources: Lack of community resources, such as mental health

services, job training programs, and recreational activities, can contribute to

criminal behavior.

3. Cultural Factors: Cultural norms and values that emphasize aggression, violence,

and materialism can contribute to criminal behavior

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 Enhancers of crime

Enhancers of crime refer to factors that increase the likelihood, severity, or

frequency of criminal behavior. These factors can be categorized into individual,

social, economic, environmental, and cultural enhancers.

1) Individual Enhancers:

1. Substance Abuse: Substance abuse can impair judgment, increase aggression,

and lead to criminal behavior.

2. Mental Health Issues: Certain mental health conditions, such as antisocial

personality disorder, can increase the likelihood of criminal behavior.

3. Low Impulse Control: Individuals with low impulse control may be more prone

to engaging in impulsive and reckless behavior, including crime.

4. Aggressive Personality: Individuals with aggressive personalities may be more

likely to engage in violent or aggressive behavior.

2) Social Enhancers

1. Peer Influence: Associating with delinquent peers can lead to the adoption of

antisocial values and behaviors.

2. Family Dynamics: Dysfunctional family relationships, parental neglect, and

abuse can contribute to the development of antisocial behavior.

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3. Social Isolation: Feeling disconnected from society and lacking social support

can contribute to criminal behavior.

4. Gang Involvement: Joining a gang can provide a sense of belonging and identity,

but it can also lead to involvement in criminal activity.

3) Economic Enhancers;

1. Poverty: Economic deprivation and poverty can lead to feelings of frustration,

hopelessness, and desperation, which can contribute to criminal behavior.

2. Unemployment: Lack of employment opportunities and job instability can

contribute to economic stress and increase the likelihood of criminal behavior.

3. Income Inequality: Significant income inequality can lead to feelings of

resentment and frustration, which can contribute to criminal behavior.

4. Financial Stress: Financial stress and debt can contribute to feelings of anxiety

and desperation, which can increase the likelihood of criminal behavior.

4) Environmental Enhancers:

1. Neighborhood Disorder: Living in neighborhoods with high levels of crime,

violence, and disorder can contribute to the development of antisocial behavior.

2. Access to Firearms: Easy access to firearms can increase the likelihood of

violent crime.

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3. Media Violence: Exposure to violent media can contribute to the development of

aggressive attitudes and behaviors.

4. Climate Change: Climate change can lead to increased stress, displacement, and

competition for resources, which can contribute to criminal behavior.

5) Cultural Enhancers:

1. Cultural Norms: Cultural norms that emphasize aggression, violence, and

materialism can contribute to criminal behavior.

2. Social Learning: Observing and imitating others’ behavior, including criminal

behavior, can contribute to the development of antisocial behavior.

3. Lack of Community Resources: Lack of community resources, such as mental

health services, job training programs, and recreational activities, can contribute to

criminal behavior.

4. Discrimination and Inequality: Experiencing discrimination and inequality can

contribute to feelings of frustration, resentment, and hopelessness, which can

increase the likelihood of criminal behavior.

Conclusion:

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Crime is a complex and multifaceted issue that affects individuals, communities,

and societies as a whole. Understanding the types, causes, and consequences of

crime is crucial for developing effective strategies for prevention, intervention, and

rehabilitation. By examining the various factors that contribute to criminal

behavior, we can work towards creating safer, more just, and more equitable

societies.

Reference:

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Federal Bureau of Investigation. (2022). Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR)

Program.

United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime. (2022). Global Study on Homicide.

Revised edition.

National Institute of Justice. (2022). Crime and Justice in the United States.

Volume 3.

Siegel, L. J. (2022). Criminology: Theories, Patterns, and Typologies. Cengage

Learning.

Akers, R. L. (2022). Criminological Theories: Introduction, Evaluation, and

Application. Routledge.

Walker, S. (2022). Sense and Nonsense About Crime, Drugs, and Communities.

Cengage Learning.