Explanation
Crime refers to behaviors defined by law as offenses against society, carrying formal sanctions such as fines or imprisonment. It is not a static or universal concept: what is criminal in one place or era may be legal in another. Criminologists study crime as a social phenomenon shaped by legal definitions, cultural norms, and power relations. Theories of crime explain causes ranging from individual choice to social structures like inequality and exclusion. Beyond legal categories, crime also encompasses social reactions: how societies define deviance and respond through policing, courts, and punishment. This social construction means crime cannot be understood solely by the letter of the law but must be seen in context.
Theoretical Reference
Explore Crime Theories for an overview of approaches, from Rational Choice to Labeling Theory and Critical Criminology. For punishment and control, see Punishment and Social Structure.