Legal Definitions - crime

A crime is an action or a failure to act that is prohibited by law and is punishable by the government. When someone commits a crime, they are considered to have violated not just an individual, but the public order and safety of society as a whole. Crimes are defined by statutes (written laws) or, in some places, by long-standing legal principles (common law).

Most crimes require a specific intent or a reckless disregard for consequences. However, some minor offenses, known as "strict liability" crimes, do not require proof of intent; the act itself is enough for a violation. Crimes are prosecuted by government attorneys (such as district attorneys or state attorneys general) and are typically categorized by their severity, ranging from less serious offenses (misdemeanors) to more serious ones (felonies).

• Example 1: Burglary

  Imagine someone breaks into a closed store after hours with the intent to steal merchandise. This act is a burglary, which is a felony offense. It is a crime because specific laws prohibit unauthorized entry into a building with the intent to commit a theft or other felony. The government, representing the public, would prosecute this individual, not just the store owner, because the act violates societal norms against theft and property invasion.

• Example 2: Driving Under the Influence (DUI)

  Consider a person who consumes alcohol and then drives a vehicle, exceeding the legal blood alcohol limit. Even if they do not cause an accident or intend to harm anyone, this is a Driving Under the Influence (DUI) offense. It's a crime because statutes explicitly prohibit operating a vehicle while impaired, recognizing the significant public safety risk. The act of driving while over the legal limit, regardless of specific intent to cause harm, is sufficient for prosecution by the state.

• Example 3: Failure to File Income Taxes

  Suppose an individual earns income but deliberately chooses not to file their annual income tax return as required by law. This failure to file income taxes is a crime of omission (a failure to act when legally obligated). Tax laws mandate that citizens report their income and pay taxes, and the government prosecutes those who intentionally evade this duty because it undermines the public funding system that benefits all citizens.