in criminal law, a crime having oneor more elements stipulated by law (aggravating circumstances) indicating its greater social danger compared to nonaggravated (simple) forms of the same crime. For example, under Soviet criminal law intentional homicide motivated by hooliganism (Criminal Code of the RSFSR, art. 102, par. b) is an aggravated crime compared to homicide without aggravating circumstances (Criminal Code of the RSFSR, art. 103). In articles establishing punishment for various kinds of crimes, the law considers as aggravating circumstances such factors as recidivism, a criminalrecord, large inflicted damage, and commission of the crime byan organized group. A more severe punishment is prescribed foraggravated crimes.