Crime and punishment

 Crime and punishment vocabulary

In this part, we are going to study the crime and a punishment and vocabulary related to it.

Crime is an ilegal activity such as murder or robbery.

Punishment is a penalty imposed on someone who is convicted of a crime. It could be, for example, time in prison or a fine.

Note: There is an important difference between criminal law and civil law. Criminal law deals with matters such as murder. Civil law deals with matters such as contracts or divorce. The police are not normally involved in civil law.

A. Types of crime

The following are the most common types of crime:

B. Types of punishment

These are the most common types of punishment:

C. Questions related to crime

The following boxes will present common questions that are asked in contexts related to crime.

1. Questions from law breakers or suspected criminals

· Why did you pull me over?

· Have I done something wrong?

· Is this illegal?

· What are my rights?

• Can I call a lawyer?

· Where are you taking me?

• Can I make a phone call?

2. Questions police may ask a suspected criminal

• Are you carrying any illegal drugs?

· Do you have a weapon?

· Does this belong to you?

· Whose car is this?

· Where were you at eight last night?

3. Informing someone of laws and police procedures

• You are under arrest.

• Put your hands on your head.

· I am taking you to the police station.

· Please get in the police car.