What Is Crime?

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TABLE OF CONTENTS What is Crime? Fear of Crime? Victims Age and Gender Difference in Determining Fear of Crime Crime and the Media Cost of Crime and Justice Crime and Crime Prevention Conclusion WHAT IS CRIME? To research why society fears crime we must first understand what crime is. Crime occurs when a law is broken. People or society may each define crime and crimes differently. If an act is found to be a crime by society but not by the law, it is not a crime. Different countries have different laws and different definitions as to what constitutes a crime in their country. The definition of crime has changed throughout the years and will likely continue to change. This is known as social construction of crime. By examining levels of crime experienced by different people, crime and the media, the cost of crime and justice, crime prevention problems and victims, this paper will attempt to explain why society is fearful of, concerned with and intrigued by crime. FEAR OF CRIME What is fear? Ferraro gives us the definition of fear as “an emotional response of dread or anxiety to crime or symbols that a person associates with crime. This definition of fear implies that some recognition of potential danger, what we may call perceived risk, is necessary to evoke fear” (Ferraro, 1995, p.8). People have fear of individuals and things that cause or may cause physical or psychological harm to them or others they care about. Having this fear helps people try and avoid or remove risks they would otherwise take. People concern themselves with having more safety habits and take more precaution of their property. VICTIMS To be the victim of any type of crime is a horrible experience. Victimization begins with the crime committed. Some people’s fear of crime possibly has to do with the potential harm that can be encountered if victimized. Harm can
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