Assess explanations of the types and patterns of state crime

State crime is an extremely compelx type of crime largely due to the fact that the state is extremely powerful and has the ability to conceal the majority of their crimes from the public, whilst also failing to label their activities as criminal. Green and Ward (2005) have defined state crime as 'illegal or deviant activities perpretrated by, or with the complicity of, state agencies'. This definition emphasises how state crime is multi-dimensional and can include activites beyond direct action of the state, such as the state turning a blind eye to criminal activities within large, powerful corporations. Furthermore, state crime can be categorised into categories such as political crimes, economic crimes and social and cultural crimes. 

One major issue surrounding state crimes is centred around the sheer scale of state crime. Unlike the majority of crime committed by individuals, state crime has extremely widespread victimisation and therefore is far more dangerous than other forms of crime. In addition to this, the state has the ability to define what is legal and what is not. During Nazi Germany, Hitler's regime and mistreatment of Jews was made legal because Hitler was able to legalise his actions, despite how horrific they were.