Crime :: essays research papers

Crime in the nineteeth century was rapid though out United States. But because of all of the poverty and sickness in the streets, crime was the only way to survive. Most of the crimes that took place in United States were crimes that involved stealing. Pickpocket gangs and street gamblers were a regular sight when walking down a major United States street. Prostitution was also a big money maker on the streets, done by both girls and boys. But crimes though out the middle class and rich were mostly property crimes and disputes, which made up 90% of all crimes committed by the upper-class. In the United tates today there a two categories which crimes fall under."Indictable" which is the same as our felony crimes that make up all of the major crimes. These crimes consist of: Murder, armed robbery, burglary, larceny, rape, and assaults on the police. The next called category is called " Summery " crimes which is equal to our misdemeanor crimes. Summery crimes were all minor crimes such as: Property crimes, Vagrancy, Drunkenness, Prostitution, Minor Larceny , and all other minor offenses. Probably the most famous criminal in the Victorian period was " Jack the Ripper ". Jack the Ripper was " the first modern sexual serial killer." Jack's trademark was the killing of female prostitutes. But not only did he kill them, he would surgically remove organs and intrails and place them near the dead body. "Jack the Ripper" wasn't his only nickname, he was also called "the Whitechaple murder " because the body's were found near the Whitechapel Road, and " The Leather Apron" because of a man that would come by and beat up the prostitutes for no reason. Jack the Ripper is credited for 9 killings, but police think that he might be responsible for more. All of the killing accrued with in one square mile. Jack is described as carrying a long knife in which he would cut open his victims, and a black Gladstone bag, the contents of which is unknown. Jack the Ripper's identity is unknown which is probably why this case is so famous. It is rumored that Jack the Ripper was a member of the royal family, and that people knew of his identity but wanted to keep it a secret. The London Metropolitan Police system was created in 1829, after the public need for security has been told to the government.