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Simple English definitions for legal terms
situational offender
Read a random definition: local improvement
A quick definition of situational offender:
A situational offender is someone who commits a crime because of the circumstances they are in. For example, they may steal food because they are hungry and have no other way to get it. The location or position of something for legal purposes is called situs, and it is important in determining the law that applies to that thing.
A more thorough explanation:
Definition: A situational offender is a person who commits a crime due to the circumstances they are in, rather than because of their personality or character.
For example, someone who steals food because they are hungry and have no other means of obtaining it would be considered a situational offender. Another example would be someone who commits a crime under duress, such as being threatened with harm if they do not comply.
The examples illustrate the definition because they show that the person's actions were influenced by their situation, rather than their inherent nature. In both cases, the person may not have committed the crime if they were not in a desperate situation or under threat.