Legal Definitions - crime against the person

A crime against the person refers to a category of criminal offenses where the illegal act directly harms or threatens an individual's physical body, personal liberty, or mental well-being. These crimes are distinct from offenses that primarily target property (like theft or vandalism) or public order (like disturbing the peace), as their direct impact is on a specific human being.

• Assault and Battery

  Imagine a scenario where an individual, during an argument, intentionally shoves another person to the ground, causing them to suffer a sprained wrist.

  Explanation: This is a crime against the person because the perpetrator's actions directly inflicted physical harm (a sprained wrist) upon another individual. The victim's physical integrity and safety were directly violated.

• Unlawful Imprisonment

  Consider a situation where a landlord locks a tenant inside their apartment for several hours, preventing them from leaving, after a dispute over unpaid rent.

  Explanation: This illustrates a crime against the person because it involves the unlawful deprivation of another individual's personal liberty and freedom of movement. The tenant's autonomy and right to move freely were directly violated by the landlord's actions.

• Criminal Harassment

  For instance, a former colleague repeatedly sends threatening emails and makes anonymous phone calls to an individual, causing them significant emotional distress and fear for their safety and the safety of their family.

  Explanation: This is a crime against the person because, even without direct physical contact, the perpetrator's actions directly target an individual, causing substantial psychological harm, fear, and a threat to their personal security and mental well-being.