Criminal Law
Criminal law is the body of law that relates to crime and the legal punishment of criminal offenses. It defines what constitutes a crime and regulates the prosecution of individuals accused of committing crimes. Criminal law is distinct from civil law, which deals with disputes between private parties.
Key Concepts in Criminal Law
Crime
An act or omission that violates a law prohibiting it and is punishable by the government. Crimes can be categorized as:
Felonies
Serious crimes like murder, rape, or robbery, typically punishable by imprisonment for more than a year or by death.
Misdemeanors
Less serious offenses like petty theft or minor assault, usually punishable by fines or imprisonment for less than a year.
Infractions
Minor violations, often punishable by fines, like traffic offenses.