Crime is behavior that a society deems undesirable and to which it reacts by using criminal justice systems. It has several defining features, including the extent to which it harms people, the intent and culpability of its perpetrators, public consensus about its moral significance, and the severity of society’s response to it. Criminologists study the causes of crime and its effects. The definition of a crime also shapes its impact and the societal responses to it, such as how much is invested in policing, what crimes are prosecuted, and what kinds of punishments are applied.
When reporting on crime, journalists must balance the public’s right to know with ethical considerations, ensuring accuracy, fairness and sensitivity while avoiding sensationalism or prejudice. It is important to gain access respectfully, treat victims with dignity and respect, collect their versions of events carefully and consider their stress and emotions. Journalists should also consider whether a crime is part of an important societal issue or raises questions about public safety, and make sure they use sources wisely and avoid falsehoods and inaccuracies.
Writing about crime is challenging, as it’s often difficult to translate chaotic real-life events into a narrative structure that is accessible for readers. It requires a level of skill that combines storytelling techniques, such as suspense and dramatic irony, with a detailed understanding of criminal law and investigative journalism. Reading some of the great true-crime books is a good way to learn how authors like Truman Capote or Alex Marzano-Lesnevich combine research and narrative to tell their stories.