Classification of Crimes

Classification of Crimes

Criminal Law: Classification of Crimes

Introduction to Classification of Crimes

Crimes are classified in many different ways: common law crimes versus statutory crimes, and crimes that are mala in se (evil in themselves) versus those that are mala prohibita (criminal only because the law says so). An important classification is the division of crimes into felonies or misdemeanors. This distinction is based on the severity of the crime and is rooted in common law.

In many jurisdictions in the United States, felonies are crimes punishable by death or imprisonment in a state prison or penitentiary and misdemeanors are those punishable by fine or imprisonment in a local jail. (The term jurisdiction refers to the authority of a political entity, such as a state or a county, or the territory over which that authority is exercised.) In other jurisdictions, crimes punishable by imprisonment for one year or more are felonies, and those punishable by fine or imprisonment for less than one year are misdemeanors. Since each jurisdiction determines the penalties for offenses it defines, a misdemeanor in one jurisdiction may constitute a felony in another. Some jurisdictions have an additional classification for petty offenses, also called infractions, which are usually punishable by a small fine.” (1)

Classification of Crimes

Resources

See Also

  • Degrees of crime
  • Offenses

Resources

Notes and References

Guide to Classification of Crimes

In this Section

In this Section, contents include, among others: Criminal Law, Criminal Law Purpose, Criminal Punishment Theories, Criminal Punishment Retribution, Criminal Deterrence, Criminal Restraint, Rehabilitation, Restoration, Criminal Punishment Conflicts Among Goals and Classification of Crimes.


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