Crime and punishment

Crime and punishment

Crime is an action that is against the law. It is one of the serious problems of modern society, especially in big cities. The victims of crime can be rich or poor, young or old. Many people are afraid to go to the town centre in the evening or at night because they fear being attacked, robbed or threatened by a group of violent people.

People who are arrested for street crime can be adults or teenagers. Most offenders are men, but women can commit crimes too. Some criminals act alone, while others work in organised groups. Places where crime often happens include supermarkets, train and bus stations, bars, banks, streets, car parks and houses of rich people.

Because of crime, many people try to protect themselves and their property. Some banks, shops and public places hire security guards. Many houses and flats have alarms, cameras and stronger locks. However, crime prevention is not only about protection. It is also about education, family background and better social conditions.

Types of crimes

Crimes against property

• Theft – a general word for stealing something from somebody.
• Stealing – taking something that belongs to another person.
• Robbery – stealing from people or places, often by using violence or threats.
• Shoplifting – stealing things from shops when they are open.
• Burglary – breaking into someone’s home, flat or building and stealing things.
• Arson – setting fire to a building, car or other property in a criminal way.
• Vandalism – damaging public or private property, for example breaking windows or destroying bus stops.

Crimes against people

• Murder – killing someone intentionally. The person who kills is called a murderer.
• Manslaughter – killing someone unintentionally or by accident.
• Assault – attacking someone physically.
• Kidnapping – taking a person hostage and demanding money or other favours.
• Mugging – attacking someone in a public place and stealing from them.
• Blackmail – forcing someone to pay money or do something by threatening to reveal secret information.

Serious and organised crimes

• Smuggling – taking goods or people illegally from one country to another.
• Drug dealing – selling illegal drugs.
• Hijacking – taking control of a plane, bus, car or ship by force.
• Terrorism – using violence to frighten people or influence political decisions.
• Human trafficking – illegally transporting or controlling people, usually for forced work or exploitation.

Cybercrime

Nowadays, many crimes are committed on the internet. This type of crime is called cybercrime. It is dangerous because criminals can steal money, passwords, personal data or even someone’s identity.

• Hacking – breaking into a computer system illegally.
• Phishing – sending fake emails or messages to get passwords or bank details.
• Online fraud – cheating people on the internet in order to get money.
• Identity theft – stealing someone’s personal information and using it illegally.

Causes of crime

There are many reasons why people commit crimes. Some people do it because they want money quickly. Others may be influenced by bad friends, drugs, alcohol or difficult living conditions.

Social conditions that can lead to crime

• Unemployment – people without work may have financial problems.
• Poor education – people with little education may have fewer opportunities in life.
• Homelessness – people without a home are often in a very difficult situation.
• Poverty – some people commit crimes because they cannot afford basic things.
• Lack of love in families – children who grow up without attention and support may become aggressive or irresponsible.
• Bad influence of friends – young people may commit crimes because they want to belong to a group.
• Drugs and alcohol – addiction can lead to violence, theft or other crimes.
• Unsuitable TV programmes and online content – violent content can influence some young people negatively.

Crime prevention

Crime prevention means trying to stop crime before it happens. It is important not only for the police, but also for families, schools, communities and ordinary people.

How people can protect themselves and their property

• Do not walk alone along dark streets late at night.
• Lock all doors and windows when you leave your house or flat.
• Leave some lights on when you go out, so the house does not look empty.
• Install a burglar alarm or security cameras.
• Keep your money, documents and valuables in a safe place.
• Be careful with your handbag, wallet and mobile phone in crowded places.
• Do not leave valuable things visible in a car.
• Use strong passwords and do not share your personal data online.
• Be careful when opening suspicious emails, links or messages.

How society can prevent crime

• Schools should teach young people about laws, responsibility and consequences of crime.
• Parents should spend time with their children and teach them what is right and wrong.
• The state should help poor families and people in difficult social situations.
• Cities should have good street lighting, police patrols and safe public spaces.
• Young people should have opportunities to study, work, do sports and spend their free time in a meaningful way.

Police and investigation

When a crime is committed, the police investigate it. They look for evidence, interview witnesses and try to find the suspect. If they have enough evidence, they can arrest the suspect and charge him or her with a crime.

Useful vocabulary connected with police work

English word	Meaning
police officer	a person whose job is to protect people and enforce the law
suspect	a person who is believed to have committed a crime
victim	a person who suffers because of a crime
witness	a person who saw something connected with a crime
evidence	facts, objects or information used to prove something
to arrest	to take someone to a police station because they may have committed a crime
to charge someone with a crime	to officially accuse someone of committing a crime

Court

If someone is arrested by the police and charged with a crime, they have to go to court and stand trial. The trial takes place in a courtroom. A person who is on trial is called the defendant.

The defendant is represented by lawyers who try to prove that he or she is innocent. The defendant pleads either guilty or not guilty. The lawyers who defend the accused person are known as the defence. They call witnesses to give evidence in favour of the defendant.

The prosecution tries to prove that the defendant is guilty. They call witnesses who give evidence against the defendant. The jury listens to all the evidence and decides whether the defendant is guilty or not guilty. Then they give their verdict. If the defendant is found guilty, the judge passes sentence.

People in court

Person	Role in court
judge	a person who controls the trial and passes sentence
defendant	a person who is accused of committing a crime
lawyer / barrister	a person who represents someone in court
prosecutor	a lawyer who tries to prove that the defendant is guilty
jury	a group of people who decide if the defendant is guilty or not guilty
witness	a person who gives evidence in court

Punishment

A sentence is the official punishment given by a court. The type of punishment depends on the seriousness of the crime, the offender’s age, previous criminal record and the circumstances of the case.

Types of punishment

Type of punishment	Meaning	Example
A fine	money paid as a punishment	A driver can pay a fine for speeding.
Community service	unpaid work for the community	An offender may clean streets or help public institutions.
Probation	the offender stays free but must follow strict rules	A young offender may get probation instead of prison.
Imprisonment	being sent to prison	A robber may be sentenced to prison.
Life sentence	prison for a very long time or for the rest of one’s life	It can be used for murder.
Death sentence	punishment by death	It exists only in some countries.

Death penalty

The death penalty, also called capital punishment, is one of the most controversial forms of punishment. It means that a person is sentenced to death for a very serious crime, usually murder or terrorism. Some countries still use it, while many countries have abolished it.

Arguments for the death penalty

• Some people believe that it can discourage criminals from committing serious crimes.
• It can protect society from dangerous murderers.
• Some people think that murderers deserve the strongest punishment.
• It may bring a feeling of justice to the families of victims.

Arguments against the death penalty

• Innocent people can be wrongly convicted.
• If an innocent person is executed, the mistake cannot be corrected.
• Many people believe that the state has no right to take a human life.
• It does not always solve the causes of crime.
• Some people believe that punishment should include the possibility of change and rehabilitation.

Useful phrases for maturita speaking

• In my opinion, crime should be punished strictly but fairly.
• I believe that prevention is better than punishment.
• On the one hand, strict punishments can discourage criminals.
• On the other hand, many crimes are caused by poverty, drugs or bad social conditions.
• As far as I am concerned, prisons should not only punish criminals, but also help them change.
• The main advantage of strict punishment is that society is better protected.
• The main disadvantage of the death penalty is that innocent people can be wrongly convicted.

Short answer

Crime and punishment is an important topic because every society needs laws and rules. Crime means an action that is against the law. There are many types of crime, for example theft, robbery, burglary, murder, manslaughter, kidnapping, smuggling, arson and cybercrime.

Crime can be caused by many social problems, such as unemployment, poverty, homelessness, poor education, drugs, alcohol or bad family background. Young people can also be influenced by violent films, unsuitable online content or bad friends.

When a crime is committed, the police investigate it. They look for evidence, question witnesses and arrest the suspect. If the suspect is charged with a crime, he or she has to go to court and stand trial. In court, the prosecution tries to prove that the defendant is guilty, while the defence tries to prove that he or she is innocent. If the defendant is found guilty, the judge passes sentence.

There are different types of punishment. For minor crimes, people can get a fine, probation or community service. For more serious crimes, they can be sentenced to prison or even life imprisonment. The death penalty is used only in some countries and it is a very controversial issue.

In my opinion, criminals should be punished, but the punishment should be fair. I think that prevention is very important. Families, schools and society should teach young people to respect the law and other people. Prisons should not only punish criminals, but also help them become better people and return to normal life.