misdemeanor

Thân thiện

A person is charged with a misdemeanor for littering in the park.

Definition

Noun: 1. A minor wrongdoing or offense: A "misdemeanor" is a type of crime that is considered less serious than a felony. It typically involves less severe punishment, such as a fine or short jail sentence, rather than long-term imprisonment.

Usage

The word "misdemeanor" is used in legal and formal contexts to classify and discuss minor criminal acts. It is often contrasted with the more serious "felony." - The charge was reduced from a felony to a misdemeanor. - Shoplifting is often prosecuted as a misdemeanor.

Advanced Usage

• Legal Distinction: In many legal systems, the classification of a crime as a misdemeanor versus a felony determines the court procedures, potential penalties, and the defendant's long-term rights.
  • Conviction for a misdemeanor may not result in the loss of voting rights, unlike a felony conviction.

Variants and Related Words

• Misdemeanant (noun): A person who commits a misdemeanor.
  • The court processed the misdemeanants separately.
• Misdemeanour (noun): The British English spelling of "misdemeanor."

Synonyms

• Petty offense: A minor crime.
• Infraction: Often a violation of a rule or law, sometimes even less serious than a misdemeanor.
• Summary offense: A minor crime that can be proceeded against summarily (without a jury trial).

Antonyms

• Felony: A serious crime, such as murder or armed robbery, typically punishable by imprisonment for more than one year.

Học thuật

Noun

1. a crime less serious than a felony

Từ đồng nghĩa

• misdemeanour
• infraction
• violation
• infringement