There is a pecking order, it seems, in everyone’s head. A list of crimes in order of seriousness, ranging from the downright trivial to the most heinous, nefarious and downright horrible acts imaginable.

While the list is slightly different for everyone, there is usually some broad common ground. Crimes such as insider trading or corruption are usually seen as technical or ‘victimless’ crimes. At the other end of the scale, kidnapping, murder and rape usually evoke widespread calls for blood.

Continue reading →