What is a victimless crime?

A victimless crime is defined as an act that does not have a direct victim in the traditional sense. These crimes typically involve consensual interactions or behaviors where no individual has been directly harmed or coerced by another. Examples often include acts such as drug use, prostitution, or gambling, where the individuals involved are consenting adults engaging in activities that are deemed illegal by law but do not infringe upon the rights or safety of others.

The options that emphasize crimes against individuals, personal assaults, or corporate fraud encompass actions where there are clearly identified victims, making them inapplicable to the definition of victimless crimes. In contrast, the correct choice highlights the essence of victimless crimes as acts that are characterized by a lack of direct harm to others, focusing instead on the nature of the actions rather than their illegal status.