Criminal Vocabulary: Definitions of Crimes, Offenders, and Legal Terms

Criminals and Their Actions: Essential Vocabulary

Types of Criminal Offenders

• Mugger: Someone who uses violence to steal from people in the street.
• Shoplifter: Someone who steals merchandise while inside a shop or store.
• Burglar: Someone who breaks into a home or other building to steal things.
• Pickpocket: Someone who steals from people in the street, often without them noticing.
• Robber: Someone who steals from a home, bank, or other business, often using force.
• Thief: The general word for someone who steals.

Major Criminal Offenses

Hijacking

Using violence or the threat of force to take control of a vehicle, such as a plane or bus.

Murder

Killing someone deliberately (i.e., on purpose or intentionally).

Assassination

The murder of a famous or important person, usually a politician or public figure.

Kidnapping

Taking someone away and keeping them as a prisoner, usually in exchange for money (ransom).

Rape

Forcing someone to have sexual intercourse by threatening them or using violence.

Domestic Violence

Violent abuse inflicted upon a spouse or partner.

Terrorism

Using violence to achieve a political aim or force a government to comply with demands.

Vandalism

Destroying or damaging public or private property, often without apparent reason.

Espionage

Obtaining information about another country's political or military secrets.

Financial and Corporate Crimes

Fraud

Cheating someone in order to obtain money or goods illegally.

Bribery

Giving someone money or gifts to persuade them to help you or act improperly.

Embezzlement

Stealing money that you are responsible for or that belongs to your employer.

Smuggling

Sending or bringing goods into or out of a country illegally, often to avoid taxes.

The Justice System: Legal Terms and Punishments

Common Sentences and Penalties

We would sentence that person to one of the following punishments:

• Fine: A sum of money paid as a penalty.
• Community Service: Unpaid work performed for the benefit of the public.
• Prison Sentence: Imprisonment for a specified period.
• Life Sentence: Imprisonment for the rest of the convicted person's life.
• Death Penalty / Capital Punishment: Execution as a legal punishment.

Key Legal Vocabulary and Actions

Sentence

A punishment given by a judge in court to a person or organization after they have been found guilty of doing something wrong.

Rob

To take money or property illegally from a place, organization, or person, often using violence.

Commit (a crime)

To do something illegal or something that is considered wrong.

Convict

To decide officially in a law court that someone is guilty of a crime.

Execute

To kill someone as a legal punishment.

Release

To give freedom or free movement to someone or something (e.g., from prison).

Carry Out

To perform or complete a task or action (e.g., carrying out a sentence or an order).

Overturn

To reverse a legal decision or verdict.

Stab

To injure someone with a sharp pointed object, such as a knife.

People and Concepts in the Penal System

Perpetrator

Someone who has committed a crime.

Inmate

A person who is kept in a prison.

Parole

Permission for a prisoner to leave prison before the end of a sentence, subject to certain conditions.

Death Row

The section of a prison where prisoners awaiting execution are kept.

Deterrent

Something that makes someone less likely to commit a crime (e.g., harsh punishment).

Punishment

The act of punishing or a penalty imposed for an offense.

Retribution

Punishment inflicted in return for a wrong committed; vengeance.

Clemency

Mercy or lenience, especially toward a criminal or enemy.

Remorse

A feeling of deep regret or guilt for a wrong committed.

Pitfalls (Crime Pitfalls)

Hidden dangers or difficulties associated with criminal activity or the legal process.