NCJ Number
137567
Journal
British Journal of Criminology Volume: 32 Issue: 2 Dated: (Spring 1992) Pages: 144-159
Date Published
1992
Length
16 pages
Annotation
In 1961, the Soviet national scheme for reporting crime was unified and tightened, although hard figures on crime appeared only selectively and infrequently in the professional literature. Perestroika relaxed the restrictions barring disclosure and publication of crime statistics and permitted this review of crime in the Soviet Union between 1961 and 1989.
Abstract
This overview focuses on 16 offenses classified as violent crimes, mercenary crimes, and economic mercenary crimes. The pattern of criminality between the 15 Soviet republics varied greatly, although all republics experienced an increase in registered crime in 1989 as compared to 1988. Some union republics contained chapters in their criminal codes devoted to "crimes constituting survivals of local customs" including arranged marriages, bride-price, blood feud, and polygamy. This article presents detailed statistics on intentional homicide, intentional grave bodily injury, rape, hooliganism, assault with intent to rob, open stealing, theft of personal property, theft of State or social property, appropriation and embezzlement, speculation, bribery, and drug offenses. Other figures pertain to offender characteristics and conviction and sentencing policies. 6 tables and 37 notes