Classification of Crimes Flashcards

Questions and Answers

What type of crime is characterized by acts like assault, battery, or rape that tend to injure another person's body?

crime against the person

What classification applies to crimes that injure a person by depriving him or her of property or by damaging property?

crime against property

What is the term used for the classification of crimes according to the severity of punishment?

grading

What are the four categories crimes are generally graded into?

felonies, misdemeanors, felony misdemeanors, and infractions Signup and view all the answers

What are crimes that are considered evil in their nature called?

malum in se crimes Signup and view all the answers

What type of crimes are described as regulatory?

malum prohibitum crimes Signup and view all the answers

What type of crimes are categorized as the most serious?

felonies Signup and view all the answers

How are misdemeanors classified in terms of severity?

less serious crimes Signup and view all the answers

Misdemeanors are usually punishable by what duration of jail time?

1 year or less Signup and view all the answers

Felonies are usually punishable by which of the following consequences?

prison time, a fine, or alternative sentencing such as probation, rehabilitation, and home confinement Signup and view all the answers

What are potential consequences of a felony conviction?

inability to vote, own a weapon, or participate in certain careers Signup and view all the answers

What are felony-misdemeanors?

crimes that the government can prosecute and punish as either a felony or a misdemeanor, depending on specific circumstances Signup and view all the answers

What are infractions also known as?

violations Signup and view all the answers

How are infractions generally punished?

a fine or alternative sentencing such as traffic school Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Classification of Crimes

Crimes against the person include assault, battery, and rape, categorized as physical harm to individuals.
Crimes against property involve harming an individual by depriving them of belongings or damaging property.

Grading of Crimes

Classification of crimes is based on the severity of punishment, known as grading.
Crimes are categorized into four main types: felonies, misdemeanors, felony-misdemeanors, and infractions.

Types of Crimes

Malum in se crimes are inherently evil by nature, typically considered serious offenses.
Malum prohibitum crimes are defined as regulatory offenses, less severe than malum in se.

Felonies

Felonies are viewed as the most serious category of crimes with significant consequences.
Punishments for felonies often include prison time, fines, or alternative measures like probation and rehabilitation.
Felony convictions can lead to severe long-term consequences, such as loss of voting rights, inability to own firearms, and restrictions on certain professions.

Misdemeanors

Misdemeanors are classified as less serious offenses compared to felonies.
Punishments for misdemeanors typically involve jail time of one year or less.

Felony-Misdemeanors

Felony-misdemeanors can be prosecuted and punished as either a felony or a misdemeanor, depending on the specifics of the case.

Infractions

Infractions, also known as violations, represent the least serious type of crime.
Punishments usually include fines or alternative penalties, such as mandatory traffic school.

Description

This quiz focuses on the classification of crimes, including crimes against the person and crimes against property. Test your understanding of various terms and concepts related to legal definitions of crime. Perfect for law students or anyone interested in criminal justice.