A crime is behavior that violates the law and results in a negative consequence for victims, perpetrators and society as a whole. Criminal consequences can be physical – assaults, burglary and murder – or emotional – victimization, fear and stress that can lead to isolation and strained relationships. Financially, crime can result in a loss of money or property and the theft of confidential information – cybercrime. Society also pays for policing, judicial processes and healthcare costs related to crime.
Most countries have a criminal code that contains definitions of offences. These crimes can be classified according to several factors, including the harm caused, the intention and culpability of the offenders, the degree of public consensus over their moral significance and the severity of the social response. Canadian criminologist John Hagan developed the concept of a crime pyramid, describing five dimensions that determine whether behavior is considered unwanted:
The first dimension concerns the extent of harm: does it cause significant injury or death? The second concerns the intent and culpability of the offenders: does it involve the use of weapons or violence? The third concerns the level of public consensus over the moral significance of the offending behavior: does the majority of people agree that it is wrong? The fourth dimension concerns the degree of visibility: does the action occur in a visible place where it can be reported to police? Finally, the fifth dimension involves cooperation with the authorities: offenders who provide information and help investigate may receive reduced sentences.