Political Crimes

A political crime is an act—or failure to act where this is a reasonable duty—which influences the interests of the state, its government, or the political system, specifically directed against that government or political system. Political crime is crime motivated by a particular ideological perspective. Ideology refers to unique systems, ideas, and abstract ideals that are professed as delivering life’s true meaning.

Violent and nonviolent acts perceived as real or imagined threats to a government’s survival are classified as political crimes. Although the ramifications of political crimes may be severe, classifying events as political crime is complicated. The concept of political crime is confused by global differences in governance and the ways in which citizens are permitted to express their discontent. This entry briefly introduces ...

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