Misdemeanor
Misdemeanor
Misdemeanor (/mɪsdɪˈmiːnər/; from the Latin misdemeanus, meaning "bad, improper") is a type of criminal offense that is less serious than a felony but more serious than an infraction. Misdemeanors are generally punishable by a fine and/or incarceration in a local jail, unlike infractions which are punishable only by a fine, and felonies, which can result in imprisonment in a state or federal prison.
Etymology
The term "misdemeanor" comes from the Latin word misdemeanus, which means "bad, improper". It was first used in English law to refer to an offense that was less serious than a felony.
Classification
In many jurisdictions, misdemeanors are classified into different categories based on their severity. These categories can include Class A, Class B, and Class C misdemeanors, with Class A being the most serious and Class C being the least serious.
Examples
Examples of misdemeanors can include petty theft, public intoxication, simple assault, disorderly conduct, trespass, and vandalism. The specific definition of a misdemeanor can vary by jurisdiction.
Related Terms
- Felony: A more serious type of crime than a misdemeanor.
- Infraction: A violation of the law that is less serious than a misdemeanor.
- Criminal Offense: A violation of the law that can result in punishment.
- Petty Theft: A type of theft that is considered a misdemeanor in many jurisdictions.
- Public Intoxication: A misdemeanor offense that involves being intoxicated in a public place.
- Simple Assault: A misdemeanor offense that involves causing physical harm to another person.
- Disorderly Conduct: A misdemeanor offense that involves causing a disturbance in a public place.
- Trespass: A misdemeanor offense that involves entering another person's property without permission.
- Vandalism: A misdemeanor offense that involves damaging another person's property.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Misdemeanor
- Wikipedia's article - Misdemeanor
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