A branch of law that defines criminal offenses, regulates the apprehension, charging and trial of suspected persons, and fixes the penalties and modes of treatment applicable to convicted offenders.

Organized efforts to insure obedience to the laws of a community.

Persons who have committed a crime or have been convicted of a crime.

The branch of psychology which investigates the psychology of crime with particular reference to the personality factors of the criminal.

A violation of the criminal law, i.e., a breach of the conduct code specifically sanctioned by the state, which through its administrative agencies prosecutes offenders and imposes and administers punishments. The concept includes unacceptable actions whether prosecuted or going unpunished.