How is a violent crime best defined?

A violent crime is best defined as offenses involving force or threats of force because these crimes specifically encompass actions that result in or have the potential to result in physical harm to individuals. The definition captures the essence of violence, where the perpetrator either uses physical power or threatens to use such power, creating an atmosphere of fear or actual danger to victims.

For instance, crimes such as assault, robbery, and homicide are classified as violent crimes because they involve direct confrontations where force is used or threatened. This contrasts sharply with other categories of crime, such as property offenses or non-violent threats, where the focus does not encompass physical violence or the implication of physical coercion. Understanding this distinction is crucial in the study of crime, as it underlines the nature of the threat posed to individuals in society.