Crime in Canada and the CSI Effect

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Questions and Answers

What is the eligibility for parole for a second degree murder conviction?

After 30 years

After 25 years (correct)

After 10 years

After 15 years

What is a key characteristic of infanticide in legal terms?

It has no specific maximum sentence

It can be committed by anyone

It is committed only by biological mothers (correct)

It requires premeditated intent

Why are violent crimes generally more likely to be solved than property crimes?

They require less police involvement

They typically involve witnesses (correct)

They involve more technological evidence

They happen in more isolated areas

What distinguishes manslaughter from second degree murder?

Manslaughter is often a result of negligence Signup and view all the answers

What defines organized crime according to the Criminal Intelligence Service Canada?

A broad range of criminal activities including slavery Signup and view all the answers

How does the likelihood of receiving a prison sentence differ between property crimes and violent crimes?

Property criminals tend to be repeat offenders Signup and view all the answers

What is the maximum sentence for infanticide?

5 years Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following does NOT describe the nature of organized crime?

Typically involves small-scale illegal activities Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is an example of a hate crime?

Spray painting swastikas on a synagogue Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary distinction of crimes of the powerful compared to ordinary crimes?

They often go unpunished due to financial influence Signup and view all the answers

Which type of theft is characterized by an unlawful taking of property valued under $5000?

Theft under $5000 Signup and view all the answers

What differentiates occupational crimes from organizational crimes?

Occupational crimes are committed for individual financial gain Signup and view all the answers

In the context of crimes against the person, which of the following is NOT a level of assault?

Felonious Assault Signup and view all the answers

What constitutes homicide under the legal definition provided?

Causing the death of a human being directly or indirectly Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following actions is an example of vandalism?

Spray painting a wall Signup and view all the answers

Which situation is an example of aggravated assault?

Threatening someone with a knife Signup and view all the answers

Which type of crime is considered the most common in Canada?

Property crime Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary factor for most people committing crimes?

Opportunity or spur of the moment decisions Signup and view all the answers

Which crime type inflicts significant harm to society but is not classified as violent?

White collar crime Signup and view all the answers

What age group has the highest fear of becoming a victim of crime?

People over 65 Signup and view all the answers

What is the term used for the tendency to believe that forensic evidence is essential in crime solving?

CSI Effect Signup and view all the answers

Which type of crime is defined as a criminal offence intended to intimidate or harm a specific group?

Hate crime Signup and view all the answers

What is the most effective way to solve serious crimes, according to the information provided?

Investigative leads Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is categorized as an act of omission in criminal law?

Failing to report a crime Signup and view all the answers

What constitutes a Criminal Organization?

A group of 3 or more people committing serious offences for material benefit. Signup and view all the answers

In what position is Canada ranked among the safest countries in the world?

11th Signup and view all the answers

What was the homicide rate in Halifax in 2017?

1.4 homicides per 100,000 people Signup and view all the answers

Which province has the highest Crime Severity Index (CSI) rating?

Saskatchewan Signup and view all the answers

What is one limitation of using crime rates for analysis?

Crime rates equate all types of crimes as equally serious. Signup and view all the answers

What can influence crime statistics aside from actual crime increases?

Changes in reporting practices. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary focus of the Crime Severity Index (CSI)?

The severity and volume of police-reported crime. Signup and view all the answers

Which city had the highest reported homicides per 100,000 people in 2017?

Thunder Bay Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary reason people choose not to report crimes?

Belief that the police will not consider the incident important enough Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a disadvantage of victimization surveys?

They may suffer from telescoping bias Signup and view all the answers

Which age group is primarily at high risk for both victimization and perpetration?

Young adults aged 15-24 Signup and view all the answers

What type of offense is most commonly reported in victimization surveys?

Theft Under $5,000 Signup and view all the answers

Which of these actions is considered an avoidance behavior to reduce victimization risk?

Using pepper spray Signup and view all the answers

Which factor is a key limitation of victimization surveys?

They only reach individuals with internet or phone access Signup and view all the answers

What technological change can contribute to increased crime reporting?

Availability of surveillance cameras and video evidence Signup and view all the answers

Which of these measures is specifically categorized as an anti-crime strategy?

Self-defense courses Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Crime in Canada

Violent crime is often talked about, but property crime occurs more frequently.
White-collar crimes have a significant impact on society despite not being as visible.
Most criminals do not have mental illnesses, and crimes often occur due to opportunity or planning.
Individuals over 65 have the highest fear of crime but the lowest likelihood of being victims, while those under 24 are most likely to be victims.

CSI Effect & Crime

The CSI Effect refers to unrealistic expectations for crime solving created by television shows.
It raises the standard of proof for investigators and influences jurors and the public, leading to a perception that crime is more prevalent and severe.
Crime is officially defined as a violation of norms codified into criminal law, whether by action or omission.

Types of Crimes

Hate Crimes:
- Target individuals or groups based on factors like gender, race, religion, or sexual orientation.
- Examples include spray painting swastikas or bullying based on race.
Property Crimes:
- Involve taking or damaging property without violence.
- Include offenses like car theft, breaking and entering, shoplifting, and vandalism.
Crimes of the Powerful:
- Difficult to prosecute due to financial resources and influence.
- Occupational Crimes (White Collar): Committed for personal financial gain, often in the workplace.
- Organizational Crimes (Corporate): Committed by organizations for profit or other benefits.
Crimes Against the Person:
- Assault: Classified into different levels of severity, including common assault, assault with a weapon, and aggravated assault.
- Homicide: Involves causing the death of a human being, categorized into first-degree murder, second-degree murder, third-degree murder (manslaughter), and infanticide.
- Robbery
- Sexual Assault: Divided into three levels of severity.

Why Violent Crimes Are More Likely to be Solved

The presence of another person (victim) provides more evidence and potential witnesses.
Victims are more likely to know their assailant, compared to property crimes that often involve strangers.

Why Property Crime Convictions Lead to Higher Rates of Imprisonment

Property crime offenders are more likely to be repeat offenders.
Individuals committing violent crimes are often impulsive and less likely to re-offend.

Organized Crime & Gangs

The Criminal Intelligence Service Canada estimated 672 criminal organizations in Canada in 2013.
Organized crime groups engage in a wide range of illegal activities, from weapons to drugs to financial crimes.
Organized crime is linked to a significant portion of serious crimes in Canada, including murder and drug offenses.
A criminal organization is defined as a group of three or more individuals working together to commit serious offenses for financial gain.

Crime Statistics

Canada ranks 11th safest out of 163 countries, while the U.S. ranks 131st.
Iceland is ranked the safest country.

Crime Rate Calculation

Crime rates are calculated by multiplying the number of offenses by 100,000 and then dividing by the population, resulting in offenses per 100,000 people.

Limitations of Crime Rate Data

All offenses are treated equally in crime rate calculations, regardless of severity.
Crime rates only measure the volume of crime, not the severity.
Crime rates are based on reported offenses, ignoring the "dark figure" of unreported crime.

Crime Severity Index (CSI)

Measures both the volume and severity of reported crime.
Different offenses are given weights based on their severity, determined by the average court sentence imposed over the past five years.
Saskatchewan has the highest CSI, while Ontario has the lowest.

Factors Influencing Crime Statistics

Changes in Reporting:
- Increased reporting of sexual assault cases due to social movements.
- Higher reporting of drinking and driving due to increased intolerance.
Changes in Policing:
- Crackdowns on specific offenses like speeding or gang activities.
Changes in Technology:
- Use of cameras and surveillance technology leading to more detection.
Changes in Legislation:
- New offenses like cybercrimes.

Avoidance Behaviours

Individuals may avoid certain areas to reduce their risk of becoming a victim.
Specific anti-crime measures include carrying pepper spray, using rape whistles, and taking self-defense courses.

Reporting Crime & Victimization Surveys

The most common reason for not reporting crimes is a lack of belief that the incident is important enough to police.
Victimization surveys are conducted every five years among individuals 15 years and older, asking if they have been victims of crime in the past year, and if so, whether they reported it to the police.
Advantages of Victimization Surveys:
- Provide insights into unreported crime.
Disadvantages of Victimization Surveys:
- Only include individuals 15 years and older, excluding younger demographic groups with high rates of victimization.
- Reliance on internet or phone access excludes individuals without such access, like homeless people and some seniors.
- Potential response bias, resulting in inaccurate reporting.
- Telescoping, which occurs when respondents report events that occurred further back in time than the survey period.

Risk Factors for Victimization

Individuals aged 15-24 are at higher risk of both victimization and perpetration.

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Description

Explore the dynamics of crime in Canada, including the prevalence of property crime versus violent crime. Delve into the impact of the CSI Effect on public perception and the legal system. Understand various types of crimes, including hate crimes and white-collar crimes, along with societal implications.