Samaha states that violent and property crimes have two victims, individual victims of crime and the whole community. In the example Samaha explains that a burglar who breaks into your house victimizes you and your neighbors because they suddenly do not feel safe. Samaha provides three types of crimes
1. Violent or personal crime
2. Property crime
3. Crimes against public order and morals
The third category, crimes against public order and morals are often referred to as victimless crimes, meaning there is no victim. In these cases it is determined that the participating parties are all consenting. Do you think that these types of crimes are truly victimless? Samaha provides a few examples:
1. Disorderly Conduct, for a description of disorderly conduct, view the Michigan Penal Code definition of disorderly conduct here.
2. Individual Drug Use
3. Prostitution
For this discussion, determine if each of the 3 listed crimes against public order are truly victimless or not. For disorderly conduct choose one of the categories of disorderly person listed in the penal code link. Explain why you think each of the 3 categories is a victimless crime or not. Why or why not?