Historical explanations of crime are mainly linked with religious norms, and in accordance with the research by Friedman, one of the origins of the word crime may be translated as sinful. The general definition of crime is closely associated with the existence of particular norms and codes of behavior that can not be violated. Criminal action involves a violation of these norms which causes harm to other people, organizations, or governments. The normative definition of crime regards it as an offensive or harmful behavior that involves a violation of generally accepted norms or cultural standards. Therefore, the differences are evident: historical explanation of the word crime presupposes that all the behavioral norms and standards were derived from religious norms and rules. Therefore, sin was equal to the crime. The contemporary explanation is apart from religion, and it presupposes a set of accepted norms, rules, standards, regulations, etc, that should not be violated or breached.
Similarities between these concepts are evident: both historical and contemporary explanations involve the violation of the accepted norms. However, regardless of the fact that most of these norms coincide, the contemporary definition is far from a religious context.
Considering the importance of understanding the origins of crime, the historical definition is helpful for realizing the key algorithm of distinguishing criminal behavior from a normal one. Therefore, understanding criminal action requires studying general concepts, as well as an understanding of the nature of the accepted norms.
Indeed, in those cases where no clear consensus exists on a given norm, the drafting of criminal law by the group in power to prohibit the behavior of another group may seem to some observers an improper limitation of the second group’s freedom, and the ordinary members of society have less respect for the law or laws in general — whether the authorities actually enforce the disputed law or not.
In the light of this statement, it should be emphasized that the importance of definition perspective is defined by the opportunity to realize the origin of the crime, as well as the background of criminal behavior, and norms associated. Since the understanding of crime depends on understanding the set of norms, the historical perspective of crime definition helps to realize the values of these norms, as well as the range of norms, as religious norms of the ancient criminal system became the origin of the contemporary social and criminal norms.