Classification Of Crime Essay

Crimes are structurally classified as a felony or misdemeanor. A felony is a serious crime, while a misdemeanor is a less serious crime (Gaines and Miller 75). Under social classification, a crime can be defined as mala in se or mala prohibita. Mala in se is an act that is considered a crime even if there is no law against it. Mala prohibita is a criminal act because it is stated by law as a criminal act (76). No matter the seriousness of the crime, all classifications result in punishment toward the criminal.

The level of seriousness of a crime determines if the crime is considered a felony or a misdemeanor. A felony is a serious crime, such as, armed robbery, sexual assault, or any other “serious” crime such as stealing large amounts of something. Someone who commits a felony is punished by death or imprisonment in a federal or state prison (75). A misdemeanor is then classified as anything that is not a felony. This includes petty theft, trespassing, vandalism, and other petty crimes. Misdemeanors can be punishable by fines or confinement in jail for up to a year. A gross misdemeanor is punishable by less than thirty days in jail, and a petty misdemeanor is punishable by less than thirty days or

Mala in se crimes are crimes that are crimes even when there is no law prohibiting it. Mala in se crimes are crimes that mainly go against the natural and moral principles created within a society. These crimes are different amongst different countries and cultures (76). An example of a Mala in se crime would be homosexuality. In the American culture, we have grown to allow and accept homosexuality. Other countries, such as, Iran or Afghanistan do not accept homosexuality and may possibly punish people by death (Bearak and Cameron). The Mala in se crimes, are social boundaries created to not allow certain behavior and punishes those who commit the unacceptable