Crime and Delinquency

What do criminologists do? The core job of a criminologist is to examine all aspects of crime and find ways to prevent criminal behavior and reduce recidivism. Criminologists gather statistics and identify patterns. They look at types of crimes as well as demographics and locations. What is the study of criminology? Criminology is the interdisciplinary study of crime as both an individual and social phenomenon, with research on the origins and forms of crime, its causes and consequences, and social and governmental reactions to it.

Accessory

Someone who intentionally helps another person commit a felony (examples – giving advice before the

crime, helping to conceal the evidence or the perpetrator). An accessory is usually not physically present

during the crime.

Accomplice

Someone who helps another person (known as the principal) commit a crime. Unlike an accessory, an

accomplice is usually present when the crime is committed. An accomplice is guilty of the same offense

and usually receives the same sentence as the principal.

Accused

A person or persons formally charged but not yet tried for a crime.

Acquittal

A legal judgment, based on the decision to either a jury or a judge, that an accused is not guilty of the

crime for which he or she has been charged or tried.

Admissible Evidence

The evidence that a trial judge or jury may consider, because the rules of evidence deem it reliable.

Admission

Confession of a charge, an error, or a crime; acknowledgment.

Aggravated Assault

An attempt to cause serious bodily injury to another or purposely, knowingly or recklessly causing such

injury, or an attempt to cause or purposely or knowingly cause bodily injury to another with a deadly

weapon.

Aggravated Battery

The unlawful use of force against another with unusual or serious consequences such as the use of a

dangerous weapon.

Allegation

A claim or statement of what a party intends to prove; the facts as one party claims they are.

Appeal

A request made by the defense or State that the case be reviewed by a court of appeal.

Arraignment

The appearance of the defendant in court to enter his or her plea to the charges.

Circumstantial Evidence

All evidence except eyewitness testimony. One example is physical evidence, such as fingerprints, from

which an inference can be drawn.

Coercion

The use of physical force or threats to compel someone to commit an act against their will.

Felony

A felony is a serious criminal offense, usually punishable by a prison term or, in some cases, by death.

Felonies are considered more severe than misdemeanors. Murder, extortion and kidnapping are some

examples of felonies. Felonies are classified as 1st degree, 2nd degree, 3rd degree or capital felonies.

Forensic Studies

This term refers to methods used to examine firearms, documents, polygraph results, DNA, medical

information, accounting and other information, and the use of handwriting experts and other known

expert witnesses available to testify to their findings in court.

Misdemeanor A crime, less serious than a felony, and punishable by jail time. Misdemeanors are classified as 1st degree and 2nd degree misdemeanors and are handled in County Court. Petty theft, first-time drunk driving and leaving the scene of an accident are some examples of misdemeanor crimes.