State as Victim
Who is the “legal” victim in a drug case (ie who on paper is listed as the victim) and how does that differ from other units in a crime laboratory?
In a drug case, the “legal” victim is typically considered the state or society rather than a specific individual. This is because drug offenses are classified as “crimes against the state” or “victimless crimes” in the sense that no one person is directly harmed. The government, representing the public’s interest in maintaining law and order, is listed as the victim, as the offense violates societal laws regulating controlled substances.
This differs from other units in a crime laboratory, such as:
- Violent Crimes (Homicide, Assault, etc.): In these cases, there is a clear individual victim (e.g., the person who was assaulted or murdered). The focus of the investigation is on harm done to a person or persons.
- Property Crimes (Burglary, Arson, etc.): Here, the victim is typically the owner of the property that was damaged or stolen. The crime lab may investigate physical evidence related to the damaged property or scene…
In a drug case, the “legal” victim is typically considered the state or society rather than a specific individual. This is because drug offenses are classified as “crimes against the state” or “victimless crimes” in the sense that no one person is directly harmed. The government, representing the public’s interest in maintaining law and order, is listed as the victim, as the offense violates societal laws regulating controlled substances.
This differs from other units in a crime laboratory, such as:
- Violent Crimes (Homicide, Assault, etc.): In these cases, there is a clear individual victim (e.g., the person who was assaulted or murdered). The focus of the investigation is on harm done to a person or persons.
- Property Crimes (Burglary, Arson, etc.): Here, the victim is typically the owner of the property that was damaged or stolen. The crime lab may investigate physical evidence related to the damaged property or scene…
