The Nature of Crime

Definition of a Crime

See Crime definition in this Encyclopedia and in the legal dictionary.

Criminal Law

Criminal law is the body of laws that prohibit and punish acts that injure people, property, and the entire community. These laws protect people and property, maintain order, and preserve standards of public decency.

Parties in a Crime

Perpetrator
Co-perpetrators
Abetting
Counseling
Party to common intention

Elements of a Crime

actus reus
mens rea

See Also

Transnational crime
International criminal law: Organized Crime and Narcotics
International Convention for the Suppression of Terrorist Bombings
Law, War and Crime
Crime against international law
International Crime law resources
Crime: International Conventions
Environmental crime: factors for presecution