Crime and Punishment A crime is a serious offence such as murder or robbery.

A punishment is a penalty imposed on somebody who is convicted of a crime. A punishment could be, for example, time in prison or a fine. There is an important difference between criminal law and civil law. Criminal law deals with matters such as murder. Civil law deals with matters such as contracts or divorce. The police are not normally involved in civil law. Questions from law breakers or suspected criminals

Why did you pull me over? Have I done something wrong?

Is this illegal?

What are my rights? Can I call a lawyer?

Where are you taking me? Can I make a phone call?

Questions police may ask a suspected criminal

Are you carrying any illegal drugs? Do you have a weapon?

Does this belong to you?

Whose car is this?

Where were you at eight last night?

Informing someone of laws and police procedures

You are under arrest. Put your hands on your head.

I am taking you to the police station.

Please get in the police car.

You will have to pay a fine for this.

I will give you a warning this time. I'm going to write you a ticket. We'll tow your car to the station.

Smoking in restaurants is illegal in this country.

It is against the law to do drugs in public.

Types of crime Crime abduction/kidnapping armed robbery arson assault attempted murder burglary, breaking and entering child abuse domestic violence drug trafficking drunk driving fraud hijacking murder/homicide shoplifting smuggling speeding terrorism Definition taking a person to a secret location using force using a weapon to steal setting fire to a place on purpose hurting another person physically trying to kill someone (but failing) going into another person's home or business with force injuring a child on purpose physical assault that occur within the home trading illegal drugs driving after having too much alcohol lying or cheating for business or monetary purposes holding people in transit hostage (usually on a plane) taking someone's life through violence stealing merchandise from a store bringing products into a country secretly and illegally driving beyond the speed limit acts of crime against a group (political/religious) or another

country theft torture vandalism white collar crime stealing extremely cruel and unfair treatment (often towards prisoners) damaging public or private property (for example with spray paint) breaking the law in business

Types of punishment Punishment (example offence) traffic ticket (speeding, parking) license suspension (drunk driving) fine (hunting out of season) house arrest (a young offender who is waiting to go to court) community service (a youth that steals a car for the first time) jail time (man who assaults his wife)

Definition leaves marks on driving record/involves paying a fine driving rights are removed for a certain period of time pay money as punishment for minor/petty crime

remain in one's home for a certain period of time

do volunteer work such as teaching children about crime or cleaning up garbage spend a certain amount of months or years locked away from society

life in prison spend the rest of one's life in prison with no chance of (a woman who commits homicide) going back into society