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