Delinquent vs. Criminal — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Maham Liaqat — Updated on March 15, 2024
A delinquent often refers to a minor who engages in minor legal violations or antisocial behavior, while a criminal is someone who commits a crime, regardless of age.
Difference Between Delinquent and Criminal
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Delinquency typically involves minors engaging in behaviors that are against societal norms or minor laws, like truancy or vandalism. These actions, while problematic, may not always rise to the level of serious crimes. On the other hand, a criminal is someone who has committed an act defined by law as a crime, which can range from minor offenses to serious felonies, regardless of the individual's age.
Delinquent behavior is often seen as a symptom of underlying issues, such as family problems, educational challenges, or peer influence. Society and legal systems tend to approach delinquents with the aim of rehabilitation, focusing on corrective measures that can lead to positive changes. In contrast, criminals, especially those who commit serious offenses, are subject to legal penalties that can include fines, imprisonment, or even more severe punishments, reflecting a focus on both punishment and public safety.
The legal system differentiates between delinquents and criminals mainly through juvenile and young courts, with the former typically handling delinquents. Juvenile courts emphasize rehabilitation and avoiding the stigmatization associated with criminal convictions. Conversely, young courts, dealing with criminals, prioritize determining guilt and assigning appropriate penalties based on the severity of the crime and the perpetrator's history.
Delinquency can often be a phase that minors outgrow as they mature and receive appropriate guidance and support. This perspective underlines the belief in the potential for change and improvement among young offenders. Criminal behavior, however, especially when persistent, is viewed through a lens of legal and moral responsibility, with society expecting accountability and, in many cases, retribution.
Prevention programs for delinquency focus on early intervention, education, and community support to address the factors that contribute to such behavior. For criminal behavior, strategies include law enforcement efforts, legal deterrents, and rehabilitation programs designed to prevent recidivism, highlighting different approaches based on the nature and seriousness of the offenses.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
A minor engaging in minor legal violations or behavior
Someone who commits a crime
Behavior Type
Often antisocial, non-serious offenses
Can include serious offenses
Societal View
Seen as in need of guidance and support
Viewed as responsible for actions, needing control
Outcome/Intervention
Rehabilitation and support programs
Legal penalties, including imprisonment
Compare with Definitions
Delinquent
A minor who engages in behavior that violates legal or social norms.
The teen was labeled a delinquent for skipping school and graffiti tagging.
Criminal
Often implies a more serious breach of law.
Criminal behavior threatens the safety and order of society.
Delinquent
Often refers to minor offenses or antisocial behavior.
Delinquent acts like vandalism are cries for attention or help.
Criminal
An individual who commits a crime.
The criminal was arrested for burglary.
Delinquent
Associated with juvenile justice system.
Juvenile delinquents are often given chances for rehabilitation.
Criminal
Can involve a wide range of unlawful activities.
From theft to assault, criminal actions vary greatly in severity.
Delinquent
Behavior rather than a fixed identity.
Being a delinquent doesn’t define one’s future possibilities.
Criminal
Associated with criminal justice system and legal penalties.
Criminals can face long-term imprisonment for serious offenses.
Delinquent
Seen as capable of reform and positive change.
Community programs can redirect delinquent youth towards more productive activities.
Criminal
Viewed with a focus on accountability and punishment.
Society demands that criminals are held accountable for their actions.
Delinquent
Failing to do what law or duty requires.
Criminal
Of, involving, or having the nature of crime
Criminal abuse.
Delinquent
Overdue in payment
A delinquent account.
Criminal
Relating to the administration of penal law.
Delinquent
A juvenile delinquent.
Criminal
Guilty of crime.
Delinquent
A person who neglects or fails to do what law or duty requires.
Criminal
Characteristic of a criminal.
Delinquent
Late or failing to pay a debt or other financial obligation, like a mortgage or loan.
Fred is delinquent in making his car payment.
The company made a new effort to collect delinquent payments.
Criminal
Shameful; disgraceful
A criminal waste of talent.
Delinquent
Failing in or neglectful of a duty or obligation; guilty of a misdeed or offense
Criminal
One that has committed or been legally convicted of a crime.
Delinquent
One who disobeys or breaks rules or laws, or who acts against another's wishes.
Criminal
Against the law; forbidden by law.
Delinquent
A person who has not paid their debts.
Criminal
Guilty of breaking the law.
Delinquent
A royalist in the First English Civil War (1642-1646).
Criminal
Of or relating to crime or penal law.
His long criminal record suggests that he is a dangerous man.
Delinquent
Failing in duty; offending by neglect of duty.
Criminal
(figuratively) Abhorrent or very undesirable.
Printing such asinine opinions is criminal!
Delinquent
One who fails or neglects to perform his duty; an offender or transgressor; one who commits a fault or a crime; a culprit.
A delinquent ought to be cited in the place or jurisdiction where the delinquency was committed.
Criminal
A person who is guilty of a crime, notably breaking the law.
Delinquent
A young offender
Criminal
Guilty of crime or sin.
The neglect of any of the relative duties renders us criminal in the sight of God.
Delinquent
Guilty of a minor misdeed;
Delinquent minors
Criminal
Involving a crime; of the nature of a crime; - said of an act or of conduct; as, criminal carelessness.
Foppish and fantastic ornaments are only indications of vice, not criminal in themselves.
Delinquent
Failing in what duty requires;
Derelict (or delinquent) in his duty
Neglectful of his duties
Remiss of you not to pay your bills
Criminal
Relating to crime; - opposed to civil; as, the criminal code.
The officers and servants of the crown, violating the personal liberty, or other right of the subject . . . were in some cases liable to criminal process.
Delinquent
Persistently bad;
School for delinquent boys
Criminal
One who has commited a crime; especially, one who is found guilty by verdict, confession, or proof; a malefactor; a felon.
Delinquent
Past due; not paid at the scheduled time;
An overdue installment
A delinquent account
Criminal
Someone who has committed (or been legally convicted of) a crime
Criminal
Relating to crime or its punishment;
Criminal court
Criminal
Guilty of crime or serious offense;
Criminal in the sight of God and man
Criminal
Involving or being or having the nature of a crime;
A criminal offense
Criminal abuse
Felonious intent
Common Curiosities
What is a criminal?
A criminal is anyone who commits an act considered a crime by law, irrespective of age.
What defines a delinquent?
A delinquent is typically a minor involved in minor legal infractions or antisocial behavior.
What are the common causes of delinquent behavior?
Causes include family issues, peer pressure, educational challenges, and socio-economic factors.
Can delinquent behavior lead to criminal activities?
Yes, unchecked delinquent behavior can escalate into criminal activities as the individual matures.
Is there a possibility of rehabilitation for criminals?
Yes, the criminal justice system includes rehabilitation programs, especially for less severe offenses, to prevent recidivism.
How does society view delinquents vs. criminals?
Delinquents are often seen as needing guidance, while criminals are viewed as responsible for their actions and deserving of punishment.
What is the importance of intervention in delinquent behavior?
Early intervention can prevent the escalation of delinquent behavior into serious criminal activities, aiding in the individual’s positive development.
What role do community programs play in addressing delinquency?
They offer support, education, and activities aimed at preventing delinquency and promoting positive development.
What impact does a criminal record have on an individual?
It can limit employment opportunities, voting rights, and access to housing, reflecting the long-term consequences of criminal behavior.
Do all delinquents become criminals?
No, many delinquents reform as they grow older, especially with appropriate guidance and support.
Are there differences in rehabilitation approaches for delinquents and criminals?
Yes, rehabilitation for delinquents focuses on education and social services, while for criminals, it often includes incarceration and formal rehabilitation programs.
How does the public perceive delinquency and criminality?
Public perceptions vary, but there's generally more empathy towards delinquents and a desire for stricter measures against criminals.
What measures are taken to prevent criminal behavior?
Law enforcement strategies, legal deterrents, and rehabilitation efforts aim to prevent criminal activities.
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Written by
Maham Liaqat
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
