Crime is an act or omission that violates a law and is punishable by a government. But what counts as a crime can change over time and across cultures!
Laws reflect society’s values, which shift over time. For instance, alcohol was illegal during Prohibition in the U.S., but now it isn’t.
Crimes affect victims, families, and entire communities. Understanding what is classified as a crime helps us see why certain acts are punished and others are not.
Did you know jaywalking is a crime in many places, but not everywhere?
Shoplifting a candy bar from a store.
Hacking into someone’s email account without permission.
Crime is an act against the law, but what counts can change over time and place.