Victimless crime

Crimes without victims
Crimes against public morality

Nature

Victimless crime refers to illegal activities that do not directly harm or infringe upon the rights of others, often involving consensual actions between individuals. Common examples include drug use, gambling, and prostitution. Critics argue that such crimes undermine social order and can lead to broader societal issues, including addiction and exploitation. Proponents contend that criminalizing these behaviors infringes on personal freedoms and that regulation could mitigate associated harms. The debate surrounding victimless crimes raises questions about morality, legality, and the role of government in regulating personal choices, highlighting the complexities of defining harm in a legal context.

Incidence

Estimating the incidence of victimless crime is challenging due to variations in legal definitions and enforcement across jurisdictions. In the United States, the FBI’s Uniform Crime Reporting Program recorded over 1.5 million drug abuse violations in 2019, a category often cited as a victimless crime. Globally, the prevalence of offenses such as consensual sex work, gambling, and drug use varies widely, with some countries decriminalizing these acts while others impose strict penalties.
In 2018, the city of Manila, Philippines, conducted a series of police raids targeting illegal gambling operations, resulting in the arrest of over 500 individuals. These actions were part of a broader campaign against activities classified as victimless crimes under local law.

Claim

Victimless crime has no reason to be defined as criminal because it does not cause harm to anybody, other than perhaps to the perpetrator.

Counter-claim

Past attitudes tended to absolve drug users of any responsibility for their actions. Today drug abuse is no longer considered a "victimless" crime; it is a crime that imposes a staggering burden on the people and the nations of the world. Use of illegal drugs is associated with increases on crime, drug-related automobile accidents and work accidents, learning disabilities and other mental health problems, family disruption, and health problems. The illicit production, distribution and consumption of drugs have intimidated and corrupted public servants, and have even destabilized Governments. The erratic ebb and flow and sheer volume of "drug money" have affected the money supply and exchange markets. Individuals, particularly those who promote drug-taking by others, must be held accountable for their actions.