What is one common characteristic of crime across all countries?

The existence of formal rules and associated violations is a fundamental characteristic shared across all countries. Crime, by definition, involves actions that violate the established laws of a society. These laws are formalized into legal codes and regulations, which differ from one culture or country to another. Regardless of the specific nature or severity of criminal acts, the critical aspect remains that each society has its set of rules that dictate acceptable behavior, and actions that contravene these rules are categorized as crimes. This feature underscores the role of law in sociological discussions about crime, as it reflects a society's norms, values, and the mechanisms it employs to maintain social order.

Other options may reflect certain trends or statistics found within specific contexts but do not encapsulate the universality of crime. For instance, the prevalence of violent crimes can vary greatly between different nations, as can the demographic patterns related to crime, such as the incidence among adult females. Similarly, while many societies have law enforcement agencies, not all do so effectively, and some may operate without formal mechanisms for law enforcement. The existence of formal rules and the concept of violations against those rules is truly a foundational element of understanding crime in any sociological framework.