The Evolution of Crime

Crime has been a part of society since its beginnings. As more people moved to cities during the 19th century to work in factories, crime rates rose, and by the beginning of the 20th century, the issue of crime was receiving more attention from the public than ever before. Questions regarding the source of crime and the best means to curb crime continue to be some of the most discussed topics among both politicians and ordinary citizens. The past century has seen crime rates skyrocket, as organized crime caused an overall increase in the number of crimes committed and the brutality of many crimes. Greater prosperity has offered more opportunities to commit crimes as well.

Early societies were centered around rural or small population centers. Those who broke the rules of the society were most often dealt with informally by those they had wronged or by their neighbors. Researchers have termed that informal system of justice the infrajudiciary. The most common kind of crime concerned property. Villagers might go to the home of a thief and demand their property back. They might also punish the thief by berating him or beating him. Such members of the community as priests, educated persons, or local elected officials might arbitrate in disputes. Resorting to legal authorities at higher levels was comparatively rare. Violent crimes were less common but were more likely to be reported to authorities. Those crimes included arson, infanticide (often by single mothers), and homicides.