Firstly a definition of 'crime' is as follows; I) an act that subjects the doer to legal punishment; the commission or omission of an act specifically forbidden or enjoined by public law. Ii) Any grave offence against morality or social order; wickedness; iniquity; wrongdoing. The term crime is used/heard daily almost by all, whether it is in the media or used in a joke, society as a whole can relate to the word. The legal definition of crime is an offence against a public law. This word (crime), in its most general signification, comprehends all offences but, in its limited sense, it is confined to: Felony, Misdemeanour, Bribery, Perjury, Prison breaking, Barratry, Champerty, Compounding felonies, Misprision of felonies, Oppression, Extortion, Suppressing evidence, Negligence or misconduct, Obstructing legal process, Embracery, Riots, routs and unlawful assemblies, Affrays, Libels, Engrossing, Monopolies, Chastity, Sodomy, Adultery, Incest, Bigamy, Fornication, Decency and morality Public indecency, Drunkenness, Common nuisances, Idleness, Vagrancy and beggary, Gambling, Illegal lotteries, Homicide, Mayhem, Rape, Administering, Concealing death, Assault and battery, kidnapping, Abduction, Burglary, Arson, Robbery, Forgery, Larceny, Malicious mischief, Conspiracy. These are just a small number of crimes that come to mine and are discussed in day to day living, not to mention the new laws on terrorism and anti-bikie criminal offences.
As stated there are different types of crime, some most serious than others, but nevertheless still crimes. As an example even the bible has laws relating to crime. The Ten Commandments, where Moses was given two tablets by God on Mount Sinai is the law according to God . The moral and ritual legislation by which they (Israelites) were to become a holy people, whom the promise of a Saviour (Jesus) for all mankind would be fulfilled, as is stated in The Book of Exodus. The Latin term mala in se, or bad in themselves and mala prohibita, bad because prohibited relates to crime as a definition. This provides evidence that many centuries ago crime was being defined. In recent times crime is still being defined and will continue to be defined due to its broad terminology. There are so many different types of definitions for crime because crime can be broken down to a few groups. Primarily there are the more heinous crimes such as Rape, Murder, and Treason etc which are some of the worst crimes imaginable, even punishable by death in some other countries. Then there are the serious crimes which are appalling but not as bad as the primary crimes, these could include Robbery, Assault, and Extortion etc. Next classified are the minor crimes such as, Drug charges, Drunkenness and Public decency etc. Lastly are the petty crimes which might consist of Driving charges, Fines and possession etc. The reason there are so many definitions in place is due to the fact that no one would be tried as a criminal and receive a large sentence for Drink driving as apposed to Murder. Both are crimes but one is more serious than the other. Hence the hierarchy of the courts. At the top is the High Court followed by the Supreme Court then the State District/County Court and finally the Magistrates Court. There is the picking order for which court which will pass judgement for different crimes committed.
As stated there are different types of crime, some most serious than others, but nevertheless still crimes. As an example even the bible has laws relating to crime. The Ten Commandments, where Moses was given two tablets by God on Mount Sinai is the law according to God . The moral and ritual legislation by which they (Israelites) were to become a holy people, whom the promise of a Saviour (Jesus) for all mankind would be fulfilled, as is stated in The Book of Exodus. The Latin term mala in se, or bad in themselves and mala prohibita, bad because prohibited relates to crime as a definition. This provides evidence that many centuries ago crime was being defined. In recent times crime is still being defined and will continue to be defined due to its broad terminology. There are so many different types of definitions for crime because crime can be broken down to a few groups. Primarily there are the more heinous crimes such as Rape, Murder, and Treason etc which are some of the worst crimes imaginable, even punishable by death in some other countries. Then there are the serious crimes which are appalling but not as bad as the primary crimes, these could include Robbery, Assault, and Extortion etc. Next classified are the minor crimes such as, Drug charges, Drunkenness and Public decency etc. Lastly are the petty crimes which might consist of Driving charges, Fines and possession etc. The reason there are so many definitions in place is due to the fact that no one would be tried as a criminal and receive a large sentence for Drink driving as apposed to Murder. Both are crimes but one is more serious than the other. Hence the hierarchy of the courts. At the top is the High Court followed by the Supreme Court then the State District/County Court and finally the Magistrates Court. There is the picking order for which court which will pass judgement for different crimes committed.
