Classification of Crimes
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Classification of Crimes. What is a Crime?. A wrong committed against society, as defined in a statute and punishable by fines, imprisonment, and, in some cases, by death. Crimes are generally classified in one of three ways. The source of the law regulating the behavior
Classification of Crimes
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Presentation Transcript
What is a Crime? A wrong committed against society, as defined in a statute and punishable by fines, imprisonment, and, in some cases, by death
Crimes are generally classified in one of three ways. • The source of the law regulating the behavior • The seriousness of the crime • The type of harm
The source of the law regulating the behavior Statutes • Federal and State laws are established by the legislators Common Law Crimes • Decisions of a judge where no prior law relating to the behavior existed • Known as precedent decisions Administrative Crimes • Regulations of a government agency Constitutional crimes • Federal and State Constitutions • Example would be violations of civil rights
The Seriousness of the Crime Felonies • A crime that carries the most severe punishment • Ranges from more than one year in prison up to a death penalty • Examples: Murder, Rape, Robbery Misdemeanors • A lesser crime such as disorderly conduct, trespass • Punishment is limited to up to one year in jail, a fine or both • Examples: Shoplifting, Possession of less than an ounce of marijuana Petty offenses • Considered by many people as not a “real” crime • Examples: Traffic offenses, Jay walking
Type of Harm The most serious crimes are those involving significant injury or loss of property • They are classified as Part I Index Crimes • Two categories • Crimes against persons • Murder • Aggravated Assault • Armed Robbery • Rape • Crimes against property • Larceny/Theft • Motor Vehicle Theft • Burglary • Arson