Crime and Punishment

 

 

When I talk about crime and punishment, I’m not referring to Fyodor Dostoevsky’s literary work, but rather to the essential terminology needed to navigate an English-speaking country. Understanding crime and punishment terminology is essential for discussing legal matters, justice systems, and societal issues. Whether at airports or when renting a car, there is always a risk of committing violations, so I believe it’s crucial to understand the vocabulary related to crime and punishment.

Vocabulary:

Crime: is an ilegal activity such as murder or robbery.

Punishment: is a penalty imposed on someone who is convicted of a crime. It could be, for example, time in prison or a fine.

The following are the most common types of crime:

• Kidnapping: Taking a person to a secret location using force.
• Armed robbery:  Using a weapon to steal.
• Arson: Setting fire to a place on purpose.
• Assault: Hurting another person physically.
• Attempted murder: Trying to kill someone (but failing).
• Child abuse: Injuring a child on purpose.
• Domestic violence: Physical assault that occurs within the home.
• Drug trafficking: Trading illegal drugs.
• Drunk driving:  Driving after having too much alcohol.
• Fraud:  Lying or cheating for business or monetary purposes.
• Hijacking: Holding people hostage (usually on a plane).
• Murder / homicide: Taking someone's life through violence.
• Shoplifting:  Stealing merchandise from a store.
• Smuggling: Bringing products into a country secretly and illegally.
• Speeding: Driving over the speed limit.
• Terrorism: Acts of crime against a group (political / religious) or another country.
• Theft: Stealing.
• Torture: Extremely cruel and unfair treatment (often towards prisoners).
• Vandalism: Damaging public or private property (for example with spray paint).
• White collar crime: Breaking the law in business.

Currently, the most common crimes are cybercrimes—illegal activities carried out using computers, networks, or internet-connected devices. These offenses range from fraud and identity theft to malware infections and cyberattacks on critical systems.

Types of cybercrimes:

• Phishing: Use of fake emails to obtain personal information from users.
• Identity theft: Misuse of personal information for fraudulent purposes.
• Hacking: Unauthorized access to computer systems or networks.
• Malware: Malicious software designed to damage or steal information.
• Ransomware: Attacks in which information on a system is encrypted and a ransom is demanded for its release.
• Financial fraud: Use of the Internet to carry out fraudulent transactions.
• Personal data breaches: Unauthorized access or misuse of personal information.

These are the most common types of punishment:

• Traffic ticket: Leaves marks on driving record / involves paying a fine.
• License suspension: Driving rights are removed for a certain period.
• Fine: Pay money as punishment for minor / petty crime.
• House arrest: Remain in one's home for a certain period.
• Community service: Do volunteer work such as teaching children about crime or cleaning up garbage
• Jail time: 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 going back into society.

Common questions asked in contexts related to crime often focus on the specifics of the crime, the circumstances surrounding it, and the individuals involved. They can also delve into the broader issues of crime prevention, societal impact, and criminal justice system aspects.

Examples:

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 about laws and police procedures requires providing accurate information about legal standards, regulations, and law enforcement practices. This could involve explaining specific laws, the process for reporting crimes, or how to follow a specific legal procedure. When conveying this information, it is critical to be clear, concise, and precise, ensuring the person understands their rights and responsibilities.

For example, these are some of the basic phrases one should know:

• 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.

I hope I have covered enough of the topic for you to understand some of the vocabulary related to crime and punishment that you might hear at airports or in the news—though hopefully, never firsthand.

CRIME & PUNISHMENT

Herminia Alexandra Franco Parra 

2977294, ANIMACIÓN 3D