NCJ Number
117415
Journal
C.J. International Volume: 5 Issue: 1 Dated: (January-February 1989) Pages: 1,8-9
Date Published
1989
Length
3 pages
Annotation
Changes in criminal laws in response to new forms of crime and to changes in criminal behavior are similar to the cartoons in which the cat, Tom, chases the mouse, Jerry, but the rise in transnational crime has not yet been accompanied by the sacrifice in national sovereignty that would be required to develop effective international institutions to combat international crimes.
Abstract
Crime continually changes as technology changes and criminals take advantage of gaps in the laws. In response, the laws themselves are changed. These changes can involve new definitions of crime or the decriminalization of certain activities, increases in penalties, or new procedures to deal with such phenomena as terrorism, organized crime, and drugs. In the face of the most important criminal behavior, countries usually make their laws more aggressive, thereby favoring the rights of the community while reducing the rights of individuals. The appearance in different countries of legislation addressing the same type of criminality demonstrates the international character of activity like computer-related crimes. However, may international crimes are not yet covered by international conventions. Currently no international convention addresses terrorism, because nations vary widely in their attitudes regarding the political and diplomatic implications of terrorism. In addition, the process of preparing, adopting, signing, and ratifying an international convention usually takes decades. Moreover, to develop international sanctions, trials, and law enforcement, nations must be willing to give up part of their national sovereignty. Until then, criminals will still have the advantage.