You might think that defining a word is as simple as locating it in a dictionary or looking up its meaning online. However, a term like “crime” carries with it a legacy of historical meanings based on social, political and cultural factors that make a clear and precise definition difficult. Crime or “criminal” activity is not a natural phenomenon or an economic model that can be demonstrated and verified globally. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original Essay “Criminal” acts are defined by society and used to reflect social values ​​(as codified by the government through laws and regulations) regarding behavior. As the class notes vividly point out, “crime is a social construct.” Because societies are diverse and constantly evolving, it is impossible to assign a concrete definition to a term that must be continually adapted to reflect a changing society. Examples of the changing face of “crime” are as diverse as previous segregation laws, physician-assisted suicide, as well as Canada's plans to legalize marijuana in the next year. Until 1965, South American states enforced laws requiring the segregation of public schools, public places, and public transportation, as well as the segregation of restrooms, restaurants, and drinking fountains for blacks and whites. It was considered a crime for a black person to be found frequenting places and events accessible only to whites. Even just last year, smoking marijuana would have been considered illegal and punishable by fines or imprisonment. However, due to changing social attitudes and values, Canada plans to legalize marijuana by June 2018. This is why defining a crime can be so difficult. One point in the Crime & Criminology text that really struck me regarding the answer to this question was the conclusion that followed after listing Hagans' seven legal and sociological definitions of crime: “Our intention here is not to explain completely every type of crime definition of crime, nor to evaluate the explanatory or practical usefulness of each definition”. (Bianco, Eisler, & Haines, 2018). They emphasize that their purpose is not to explain these definitions or to evaluate which ones should be evaluated over others, or which is more useful. Instead, they base value on who defines the crime and their perceptions. No two people or countries have the same values, morals or ethics. Therefore, the only way to explain what is legal or illegal is to look at how society establishes laws to regulate behavior. To further this point, class notes outline three different approaches to viewing crime: conservative (belief in the rule of law), liberal (some belief in the rule of law), and radical (rejects the rule of law). : This is just an example. Get a custom paper from our expert writers now. Get a Custom Essay They are all different and all acceptable. However, it is how we interpret the role of society and its moral framework that guides how we perceive crime. Question: Crime and laws go hand in hand. However, when it comes to interpreting crime and implementing laws, do you believe the state should be the only one allowed to do so? Should it be the courts (since it was the Supreme Court of Canada that ruled that medically assisted dying is no longer a criminal act)? What about countries like North Korea that enact laws that limit commonly accepted rights and freedoms? Believe that other groups)