misdemeanor
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.
Noun
-
a crime less serious than a felony
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