Criminal law definition and research resources for attorneys
Criminal law definition and research resources for attorneys Thomson Reuters
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What is Criminal Law?
Criminal law is “the body of law defining offenses against the community at large, regulating how suspects are investigated, charged, and tried, and establishing punishments for convicted offenders.” ¹
The earliest known use of the term in English dates back to the 18th century. It’s also termed penal law and deals with wrongdoings that are a threat to all of society, such as rape, murder, and other such heinous offenses.
The penal act might be against one single victim. However, it is a threat to society at large which is why criminal cases are considered offenses against the “state” or the jurisdiction of the prosecution. It comprises the laws and regulations defining criminal offenses and the punishments imposed on those found guilty.
The fundamental goal of criminal law is public safety; it aims to deter destructive or hazardous behaviors. It also establishes the standards of behavior expected of citizens and the punishments for failing to meet those norms. On the other hand, the right to a fair trial, access to legal representation, and a sentence in line with the severity of the crime are all part of these guiding principles of criminal law.
¹ Source: Black’s Law Dictionary (11th edition)
Types of criminal behavior
The criminal justice system in the United States punishes a wide range of behavior deemed detrimental to public order. These offenses are categorized based on their nature, severity, and statutory definitions.
The following are examples of different classifications of criminal behavior documented in the United States:
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Felony |
Anyone convicted of a felony faces a prison sentence of more than one year. This encompasses more serious offenses like murder and manslaughter, and other offenses such as robbery, arson, kidnapping, drug trafficking, and fraud. The penalties for felonies are much harsher than those for misdemeanors.
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Misdemeanors |
Misdemeanors are less serious offenses when compared to felonies. Fines, probation, forced community service, and/or up to a year in jail are frequent penalties for such breaches. Misdemeanors are more serious offenses than traffic violations but less serious than felonies.
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Minor crimes |
Minor crimes are often known as infractions or ordinance violations. They are typically penalized with monetary penalties. Driving and parking violations, petty drug possession, littering, and causing a public nuisance are all examples of such transgressions.
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Drug possession |
Distribution, manufacturing, and sale of prohibited substances are all significant offenses. Drug possession can range from a minor misdemeanor to a huge, organized drug cartel. The kind and quantity of drugs involved determines how severe the punishment for a drug crime will be.
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| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions | Target 16.3: Promote the rule of law at the national and international levels and ensure equal access to justice for all. | Indicator 16.3.1: Proportion of victims of violence in the previous 12 months who reported their victimization to competent authorities or other officially recognized conflict resolution mechanisms. |
| SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions | Target 16.6: Develop effective, accountable, and transparent institutions at all levels. | Indicator 16.6.1: Primary government expenditures as a proportion of original approved budget, by sector (or by budget codes or similar), disaggregated by government and civil society. |
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Source: legal.thomsonreuters.com
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