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Classification of Crimes

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

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Classification of Crimes

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  1. Classification of Crimes

  2. 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

  3. 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

  4. 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

  5. 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

  6. 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

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