Difference between common criminals and terrorists?

Question

I can find plenty of info on terrorism, but I am trying to compare and contrast between the two. any Ideas?

Answer 1

Criminals break the law of the land and are subject to criminal proceedings—in the USA court hearings, judge, prosecutor and defense attorney. Terrorists are acting ourside of the legal system to use terror (often involving innocent civilians) to coerce and attempt to gain control of a government.

Answer 2

I would have to say that the difference is common criminals in most cases aren't trying to prove a point, whereas in terrorism whomever is doing it is has something to prove. Common criminals commit some crimes on a whim when terrorists plan and actually calculate a scheme and rehearse as much as is possible. I am not saying they don't have their similarities, number one being innocent bystanders that are either injured or killed in the process.

I believe that terrorism is attacking the government in an indirect sort of way as opposed to lots of everyday crimes that are commited. When it comes down to it in most but not all cases terrorism is usually more planned than a random daily crime.

Answer 3

a common criminal targets a specific or small area of victims..theft, assault, robbery, etc... where a terrorist targets a large group or race or country...terrorism is more destructive then common crminalism because most terrorists have little or no regard for their own personal safety or well being, they are acting on behalf of another person, religion, or belief...where most common criminals are committing crimes that will give them personal gain. Terrorists are simply following orders in general, and the real villain sits back somewhere in hiding like a coward and watches as his acts of evil are carried out by someone else.

Answer 4

Well, speaking of current global definitions of territories, lack of state-hood seems to count the most towards being called a terrorist...

However, the very word terrorist is subjective and can be weilded and defined by those forces in society/ies which have the most power/resources/influence. In today's society, the label, 'terrorist' is weilded to increase, wealth/power/resources/influence as well as to encourage submission to the dominant force.

a good book to read is called "Why Do People Hate America" this book actually has amazing cultural insight to several countries and global powers (including europe and the middle east) and it examines the US's global and domestic policies, including its uses of the word "Terrorist" and how it has benefitted from using this terminology. This book is inexpensive on Amazon.com costing less than 10$ (USD)

Answer 5

I think that most common criminals are trying to survive and maybe get money. Terrorists are people that hate outside information and influence coming into their realm. They are control freaks that do not want to embrace change.

Answer 6

A criminal is someone who breaks the law of the land for his own personal reasons.

A terrorist is someone who uses violence to achieve political results, like replacing the government or its policies with one that suit his personal agenda.

doesn't the definition of terrorist sound like the Bush government?

Answer 7

Terrorism is organized crime lacking a business plan.

Answer 8

terrorists use fear and terror, violence and crime to further there political goals, whereas criminals do so for profit or anger.

Answer 9

they don't think of themselves ar "terrorists". they think they are right just as we[the Americans] think were the ones who are doing the right thing.In the end, who knows.