Crime vs. Delinquency: Know the Difference
By Shumaila Saeed || Updated on December 25, 2023
Crime refers to acts violating legal code, while delinquency typically means minor offenses, often by juveniles.
Key Differences
Crime is a legal concept involving actions that break the law and are punishable by the state. Delinquency, on the other hand, often refers to minor legal violations, typically associated with young people. Both concepts involve the breach of legal or social norms, but crime encompasses a broader range of serious offenses.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 10, 2023
The term crime encompasses a wide range of actions from theft to murder, all of which are considered serious offenses against society or the state. Delinquency, while also a breach of legal rules, usually pertains to less serious offenses and is frequently used in the context of youth or juvenile misbehavior.
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Nov 10, 2023
In the context of law enforcement, crimes often lead to formal charges and possibly incarceration. Delinquency, especially when referring to juvenile delinquency, often results in less severe consequences, such as counseling or juvenile detention, emphasizing rehabilitation.
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Nov 10, 2023
The societal perception of crime is often associated with moral and legal condemnation, while delinquency is sometimes viewed as a phase of adolescent behavior that can be corrected. Both, however, attract legal attention and necessitate intervention.
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Nov 10, 2023
Legally, crimes are prosecuted in a court of law and can lead to a criminal record, affecting an individual's future significantly. Delinquency, especially in juvenile cases, is often handled in specialized juvenile courts with the aim of avoiding long-term negative impacts on the young individual's life.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 10, 2023
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Comparison Chart
Severity
Serious offenses against the law.
Minor legal violations, often youthful.
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Legal Consequences
Formal charges, possible incarceration.
Less severe, often rehabilitation-focused.
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Age Association
Can be committed by any age group.
Primarily associated with juveniles.
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Societal Perception
Moral, legal condemnation.
Viewed as correctable adolescent behavior.
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Legal Handling
Prosecuted in criminal courts.
Often handled in juvenile courts.
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Nov 10, 2023
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Crime and Delinquency Definitions
Crime
Crime: An act that violates a law and is punishable by the state.
Stealing a car is a crime punishable by law.
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Nov 10, 2023
Delinquency
Failure to adhere to laws or rules, often used in the context of juvenile misbehavior.
Skipping school is a form of juvenile delinquency.
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Crime
Crime: A serious offense against public morals.
Embezzlement is a crime that breaches public trust.
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Delinquency
Misconduct or misbehavior, particularly by adolescents.
Graffiti tagging is often associated with adolescent delinquency.
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Crime
Crime: Illegal activities in general.
Organized crime involves various illegal enterprises.
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Delinquency
Minor legal offenses, usually referring to youthful indiscretions.
Underage drinking is considered a delinquent act.
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Nov 10, 2023
Crime
Crime: An action harmful to society and forbidden by law.
Hacking into confidential systems is a crime impacting national security.
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Nov 10, 2023
Delinquency
Non-compliance with legal or moral standards by minors.
Shoplifting is a delinquent behavior often seen in juveniles.
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Nov 10, 2023
Crime
An act committed in violation of law where the consequence of conviction by a court is punishment, especially where the punishment is a serious one such as imprisonment.
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Oct 19, 2023
Crime
An unjust, senseless, or disgraceful act or condition
It's a crime to waste all that paper.
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Delinquency
A debt or other financial obligation on which payment is overdue.
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Crime
(uncountable) The habit or practice of committing crimes.
Crime doesn’t pay.
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Delinquency
Failure or omission of duty; a fault; a misdeed; an offense; a misdemeanor; a crime.
The delinquencies of the little commonwealth would be represented in the most glaring colors.
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Oct 19, 2023
Delinquency
A tendency to be negligent and uncaring;
He inherited his delinquency from his father
His derelictions were not really intended as crimes
His adolescent protest consisted of willful neglect of all his responsibilities
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Oct 19, 2023
Crime
Any violation of law, either divine or human; an omission of a duty commanded, or the commission of an act forbidden by law.
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Oct 19, 2023
Crime
Gross violation of human law, in distinction from a misdemeanor or trespass, or other slight offense. Hence, also, any aggravated offense against morality or the public welfare; any outrage or great wrong.
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Oct 19, 2023
Delinquency
Neglect of duty or misconduct, especially by a young person.
Vandalism is a common act of delinquency among teenagers.
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Crime
Any great wickedness or sin; iniquity.
No crime was thine, if 'tis no crime to love.
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Oct 19, 2023
Crime
That which occasion crime.
The tree of life, the crime of our first father's fall.
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Oct 19, 2023
Crime
(criminal law) an act punishable by law; usually considered an evil act;
A long record of crimes
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Crime
Crime: A grave breach of ethics or morality.
Environmental pollution on a large scale is seen as a crime against nature.
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Repeatedly Asked Queries
What is "Delinquency"?
Delinquency generally refers to minor crimes or misdemeanors, often committed by young people.
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Nov 10, 2023
Is "Crime" always illegal?
Yes, by definition, a crime is an action that violates the law.
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Nov 10, 2023
Does "Delinquency" have a legal definition?
In legal contexts, it usually refers to offenses or misconduct by juveniles.
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Nov 10, 2023
Are "Crime" and "Delinquency" interchangeable?
Not exactly. "Delinquency" often implies lesser offenses, especially by youth, while "crime" covers a broader range of offenses.
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Nov 10, 2023
What does "Crime" mean?
Crime refers to an action or omission that constitutes an offense punishable by law.
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What is a common synonym for "Crime"?
Offense, felony, or misdemeanor are common synonyms.
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What types of actions constitute "Delinquency"?
Actions like minor theft, vandalism, or truancy are often considered delinquent behaviors.
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Nov 10, 2023
Can "Crime" be unintentional?
Generally, crime involves intent, but there are exceptions like negligence-based offenses.
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Nov 10, 2023
Can adults commit "Delinquency"?
The term is primarily used for youth offenses, so it's less common to describe adult actions.
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Nov 10, 2023
How are "Crime" and "Delinquency" used in a sentence?
"He was charged with a crime" and "Juvenile delinquency is a growing concern."
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Nov 10, 2023
Can "Delinquency" refer to non-criminal behavior?
Yes, it can also describe minor misbehaviors or failures to follow rules, not just legal violations.
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Nov 10, 2023
Is "Crime" a legal or moral term?
It's primarily a legal term but can have moral implications depending on the context.
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Nov 10, 2023
Do "Crime" and "Delinquency" have different connotations?
Yes, "crime" often implies more serious offenses, while "delinquency" suggests less severe or juvenile misconduct.
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Nov 10, 2023
Are there adjectives derived from "Crime" and "Delinquency"?
Yes, "criminal" and "delinquent."
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Nov 10, 2023
Can businesses commit crimes?
Yes, corporate or white-collar crimes are committed by businesses or their representatives.
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Nov 10, 2023
Are "Crime" and "Delinquency" cultural or universal concepts?
While the concepts are universal, what constitutes a crime or delinquent act can vary culturally.
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Nov 10, 2023
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About Author
Written by
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed, an expert content creator with 6 years of experience, specializes in distilling complex topics into easily digestible comparisons, shining a light on the nuances that both inform and educate readers with clarity and accuracy.
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