Section 6: Crimes of the Modern Era

Fundamentals of Criminal Law by Adam J. McKee

As society evolves, so does crime. The legal landscape is constantly changing, adapting to new forms of wrongdoing that technology and modernity bring. In this section, we delve into the specialized world of contemporary offenses that challenge the traditional boundaries of criminal law.

Traffic Offenses: The Rules of the Road

Our journey begins with traffic offenses, an area of law that affects millions of drivers daily. We categorize these violations as either moving or nonmoving, depending on whether the vehicle was in motion at the time of the offense. We will explore how traffic laws apply within different territories, the nuances of parking-related infringements, and the gravity of speeding and racing on public roads. The reckless disregard for safety behind the wheel takes us to the dangerous world of reckless driving and the tragic circumstances of hit-and-run incidents. Importantly, we’ll discuss how lesser offenses are often nested within greater violations in traffic law.

Driving Under the Influence: A Dangerous Cocktail

Driving under the influence (DUI) and driving while intoxicated (DWI) with drugs or alcohol represent a significant threat to public safety. This section will dissect the legal definitions, the consequences, and the societal impact of these grave offenses.

Computer Crime: The Digital Frontier

The advent of the internet has given rise to a new category of crime. Computer offenses range from internet-based frauds to unauthorized data entry, identity theft, and the creation and distribution of malware. These cybercrimes represent a fast-growing area of law enforcement and legislative action, with unique challenges for the legal system.

Crimes against Morals: The Societal Fabric

Next, we turn to offenses against public morals, such as fornication, adultery, and pornography. These crimes test the limits of legal intervention in private life and personal choices, raising complex questions about the role of law in legislating morality.

White Collar Crime: The Cost of Deception

Finally, we examine white-collar crimes, where the culprit is more likely to wield a pen than a weapon. From money laundering and fraud to tax evasion and environmental crimes, these offenses have far-reaching consequences, threatening the integrity of financial systems and the well-being of our environment.

This section will navigate through the intricacies of these modern offenses, shedding light on their legal frameworks, societal implications, and the ongoing efforts to curb their prevalence.

Modification History

File Created:  07/17/2018

Last Modified:  11/07/2023

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This work is licensed under an Open Educational Resource-Quality Master Source (OER-QMS) License.

 

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