Natural and Legal Crimes
Natural crime is something equated with the average moral sensibilities of people in the society (Taylor, Walton & Young, 1973). It is something that is set apart from the legal system (Taylor, Walton & Young, 1973). Legal crimes of course are crimes that go against the law. The act attached to a natural crime is something harmful to society, and the injury is moral in nature (Taylor, Walton & Young, 1973). A student writing on this subject asks whether or not something is mala in se—or wrong by itself—or mala prohibita, which is wrong because the law prohibits it. There is in fact a simple model one may use. Crimes are activities or behaviors that are morally wrong. Some are illegal. Even if all are illegal, some legalities are not attached to morality. Legislation may be prompted by controversial political arguments or for better social control. In examining the FBI's crime index, some crimes may be considered intrinsically wrong, or wrong simply because it is prohibited by law. First, it is important to define each of the crimes in question. Murder and non-negligent homicide is the taking of the life of a human being on purpose (Samaha, 2005). This does not include deaths caused by negligence (Samaha, 2005). Forcible rape is a crime whereby people engage in sex, but it is against the will of the female (Samaha, 2005). Statutory rape is excluded from the definition of forcible rape (Samaha, 2005). Attempted rape with the use of force is included under the definition of forcibl