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Home » Consumer Information » Crime

Public Order Crime

Public Order Crimes used to be known as victimless crimes because they do not directly or indirectly hurt or affect anyone other than the people who are actively involved in the crime. The activities associated with this type of crime are generally considered to be outside of the social norm and lacking in moral values. This type of crime is most commonly associated with prostitution and drug addition. These activities may not be harmful to others (assuming there is no driving done while under the influence of drugs) but they are still considered to be deviant behavior which is frowned upon by society as a group.

Prostitution

Any sexual act that is performed in exchange for money or another form of monetary compensation is considered to be an act of prostitution. Many people object to classifying prostitution as a victimless crime. They would argue that the women who are involved in this illegal profession are often coerced into it, or use it as a last resort in order to make enough money to survive. The women involved are often mistreated and abused, but they may feel there is no way out, or even be threatened with physical harm or even death if they try to quit. Family members of the prostitutes are also looked upon as secondary victims.

Another argument against the concept of prostitution being victimless is that organized crime groups are often involved in this activity. The money that is earned may go to finance crime families and gangs who will in turn victimize members of society.

Regardless of whether or not prostitution is thought of as victimless, it is still a crime in almost every state. Those participating in the buying and selling of sexual favors are actively committing Public Order Crimes.

Drug Addiction

Some consider the buying and selling of drugs to be another form of victimless crimes. They would argue that one person agrees to sell the drug and the other agrees to purchase it, so nobody is victimized in the process. Others, however, assert that drug use and addiction will lead other crimes, possibly even violent crimes. One of the major points they would make in this regard would be that an addict may be willing to do most anything to be able to continue purchasing a drug. They may be willing to commit theft or robbery, or even go so far as to get involved in mugging others, car jacking and even murder.

The question of how to deal with drug sellers are users is widely debated. The two primary theories are to either do everything possible to stop it, or to decriminalize it. People who say it should be legalized claim that if drugs were no longer outlawed, they could be regulated which would lead to safer drugs and lower costs and therefore less potential for crime. Others strongly oppose that theory and say that the use of drugs must be stopped completely.

Drug use and abuse has been a major issue in The United States for many years. In 1971 President Richard Nixon declared a "War on Drugs", and that war continues to wage even today. Like any other Public Order Crime, the battle against drugs may never be fully agreed on by everyone.