National Criminal Day

A group of playful individuals dressed in detective costumes, wearing trench coats and fedora hats, surrounded by a cityscape backdrop. One person is holding a magnifying glass while another is flashing a mischievous smile. The scene has a vintage film noir aesthetic with black and white colors.. — National criminal day illustration

The term 'national criminal day' might bring images of vigilantes prowling the streets at night, or perhaps a nationally accepted excuse to skip work claiming you're undercover. But fret not! From our seamless online detective work, this day is not condoning mischief but rather shining a bemusing spotlight on famous crime portrayals in pop culture. So, peek out from behind that curtain and join us as we unravel its slightly peculiar internet history.

When is Criminal Day?

It's national criminal day on the 4th April.

A Brief Internet History of National Criminal Day

From our digital sleuthing, 'National Criminal Day' surprisingly cropped up in the annals of Internet history with its highest mentions around April 4, 2016. Perhaps, the calendar Gods randomly drew out this day as a cautionary tribute to those famed perpetrators of fictional crimes making a deep impact. Or, maybe it's the day we take a moment to appreciate every iconic 'bad guy' in the movies for making the good guys look so... well, good!

Is it Really A 'Bad' Day?

Well, not really. This day gives us a reason to relive, in jest, those spine-chilling monologues and dramatic mysteries that have made cinematic history. It's more an excuse to stage your own amateur reenactment of 'The Godfather' or binge-watch your favorite crime dramas, and less of a call for actual criminal activities. Remember, it's all about harmless fun and games!

The Unintentional Tribute

While 'National Criminal Day' is not exactly a widely-known or publicly observed holiday, it does serve as an unintentional tribute to the fictional villains who we can't help but love...or love to hate. So, why not embrace the spirit of this quirky day and recall your favorite crime stories, be it a novel, film, or TV series? Remember, the only 'crime' today would be not joining in on the fun!

History behind the term 'Criminal'

1250

Etymology of 'Criminal'

The term 'criminal' finds its roots in the Latin word 'crimen' which means 'judgment' or 'accusation'. During the 13th century, it evolved into the Old French word 'criminal' which referred to a person accused of a crime or wrongdoing.

1660

Emergence of Modern Understanding

In the 17th century, a significant shift occurred in the understanding of the term 'criminal'. Rather than just indicating an accused person, it began to be associated with illegal activities that violated established laws. This development laid the groundwork for contemporary definitions of criminality.

1764

Birth of Criminology

The year 1764 marked the publication of 'Dei Delitti e delle Pene' (Of Crimes and Punishments) by Italian philosopher and jurist Cesare Beccaria. This seminal work focused on the principles of crime and punishment, advocating for proportionality and precision in criminal justice systems. Beccaria's ideas greatly influenced the field of criminology and sparked the Enlightenment-period study of criminal behavior.

1890

Criminal Profiling

In the late 19th century, the study of criminal psychology gained traction with the advent of criminal profiling. Driven by pioneering researchers such as Cesare Lombroso, who believed in the existence of 'born criminals,' this approach aimed to identify specific characteristics and traits of individuals prone to criminal behavior. Criminal profiling contributed to advancements in forensic science and investigations.

1948

Universal Declaration of Human Rights

The year 1948 witnessed a milestone in international law and human rights with the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights by the United Nations General Assembly. This landmark document laid down fundamental principles for safeguarding individuals from arbitrary arrest, torture, and persecution. It emphasized the rights of the accused, including the presumption of innocence and a fair trial, shaping contemporary criminal justice systems worldwide.

Did you know?

Hollywood has given us countless iconic villains; Norman Bates from 'Psycho', Hannibal Lecter from 'The Silence of The Lambs', and Darth Vader from 'Star Wars', who, believe it or not, was originally a 'criminal' in a galaxy far far away!