NCJ Number
93917
Journal
Crime and Delinquency Volume: 30 Issue: 2 Dated: (April 1984) Pages: 227-244
Date Published
1984
Length
18 pages
Annotation
Research on the measurement of crime seriousness, whether for statistical or research purposes, has generally defined 'seriousness' exclusively in terms of the amount of harm actually inflicted, without consideration of the mental state of intentions of the actor.
Abstract
This has been justified on grounds of principle, on the basis of research findings, and for pragmatic reasons. It is posited here that none of these arguments is convincing. Society has a legitimate interest in measuring the amount of harm inflicted by crime, but a basic indicator of criminality must also take the mental element into account. (Author abstract)