Final answer:
Victimless crimes are those that do not directly harm others besides the perpetrator, differing from violent and property crimes. These crimes can still have broader social impacts, and the costs they impose on society can be significant. The debate on their criminality reflects the complex nature of societal norms and legal definitions. The correct answer is option 1.
Step-by-step explanation:
Victimless crimes differ from other types of crime in that they are activities against the law but do not result in injury to any individual other than the person who engages in them. Unlike violent crimes, which are based on the use of force or the threat of force, or property crimes that involve theft or destruction of property without the use of force, victimless crimes, such as underage drinking or consensual prostitution, are primarily seen as harmful to the person committing the act rather than to a specific victim. Despite their name, these crimes can still have societal impacts, such as fostering abusive environments or increasing the likelihood of employee absences, which may contribute to ongoing public debate about their criminal status.
The costs of crime to society include direct costs, indirect costs, and intangible costs. This can be seen in debates on whether financial crimes, often considered less harmful, can impact more victims and carry far greater costs than crimes like theft due to their wider economic implications. The criminal justice system can employ various strategies like legalization, prevention, and rehabilitation to address the costs of crime and its prevention.