This is the minds on icon.

People are interested in crime and crime rates. With the prevalence of media in our lives, it is sometimes difficult to identify patterns and trends in law. Governments, police and groups often gather data to help us to understand. Look at this map of Canada that was created from 2019 data.

This is a coloured map of violent crime rate in Canada in 2007.

Does this map of community crime rate surprise you?
What reasons can you suggest for these statistics?

StatsCan, 2020

You may have wondered: What makes a person commit a crime or break the law? Have a look at some of the reasons that have been suggested over time. People might break the law because:

  • He or she needs something such as food or money.
  • He or she sees an opportunity to make money.
  • He or she has learned that it can be rewarding either materially, socially or psychologically.
  • There are few punishments or little likelihood that he or she will be caught.
  • She or he are born “bad” or “criminal.”
  • It is fun and it provides a sense of satisfaction.
  • It fulfills a desire.
  • He or she feels no guilt or responsibility to society.

The list of suggested motivations behind criminal or illegal activities is long. Many theorists have considered the subject at length. Just for fun, check out this Judas Priest 1980 song "Breaking the Law." It is pretty clear that law isn't the only thing that has changed in the last quarter century!

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Another interesting question that emerges in the study of law is: “Why do people obey the law?”

Read this brief article written by Ruth Lee Johnson in Psychology Today.

This is the question/answer icon. Questions

Read the following statements. Which theory does each statement reflect?

Long Description

Continue your investigation into the causes of illegal behaviour by researching the London Riot of 2011. The summer riots were a crisis for England that prompted further interest in the reasons for the criminal behaviour. Government and citizens were confused by the events.

Following the riots there was an investigation into the causes. Please read "Why people obey the law" written by Mark Easton at the BBC. The government was making an effort to determine the causes and in turn, be able to prevent future problems.

This is the question/answer icon. Questions


  1. What is meant by a “tug” factor?
    Answer

    A tug factor is an influence that drew people away from trouble or lawbreaking such as being occupied through work, an apprenticeship or some other activity, the behaviour of friends and the influence of authority figures such as parents.

  1. How did the relationship between police and citizens factor into the riots?
    Answer

    The researchers found that some people were angry at the government and the police and felt that their behaviour was an opportunity to “get back” at the police.

  1. What was the other factor that was relevant to the decision to participate in the riots?
    Answer

    The risk of being caught was another factor. Media coverage perhaps influenced this aspect as it emphasized the number of participants and showed police response.

  1. What are the two schools of thought on the best way to avoid future rioting?
    Answer

    One way of thinking encourages a “tough on crime” approach that includes harsher punishments while the other encourages relationship building between the police and the community.

  1. Look at the two visuals in the article. What conclusion does the author draw from these findings?
    Answer

    The author concludes that fairness and legitimacy is a factor in whether people obey the law.

This means the lawfulness or authenticity of something.

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