Legal Definitions - transgression

The term transgression is an older, somewhat archaic legal term that historically referred to an act that violated a law, rule, or moral code. In modern legal contexts, acts that might once have been called transgressions are typically classified as misdemeanors or minor infractions.

A misdemeanor is a category of criminal offense that is generally considered less serious than a felony. Misdemeanors typically carry penalties such as fines, community service, probation, or incarceration in a local jail for a period usually not exceeding one year. They represent a breach of law that, while serious, does not involve the most severe consequences associated with more grave crimes.

• Example 1: A person is caught shoplifting a low-value item from a convenience store.

  Explanation: This act, while illegal, is typically classified as a petty theft misdemeanor due to the low value of the stolen goods. Historically, such a minor breach of property law might have been referred to as a "transgression" against the store owner's rights and public order.

• Example 2: A driver receives a ticket for parking in a no-parking zone.

  Explanation: Parking illegally is a minor infraction of traffic laws, resulting in a fine rather than jail time. This type of minor violation, a breach of a municipal regulation, aligns with the historical use of "transgression" for less severe offenses against established rules.

• Example 3: During a historical reenactment, a participant accidentally wanders into a roped-off area designated for staff only, despite clear signage.

  Explanation: While not a criminal act, the participant committed a "transgression" by violating the established rules and boundaries of the event. This breach of a specific regulation, even if minor and unintentional, demonstrates an act that goes against a set standard or rule.