prosecutor
The government attorney who presents the case in court against the person accused.
felony
A major crime punishable by imprisonment or death.
misdemeanor
A less serious crime with a possible penalty of a fine or brief imprisonment in a county or city jail. A crime that is less serious and has a less severe penalty than a felony.
murder
The unlawful killing of another human being with malice aforethought.
manslaughter
The unlawful killing of another human being without malice aforethought.
battery
The unlawful touching of another person.
assault
An attempt to commit a battery.
burglary
Breaking and entering a place with the intent to commit a felony or misdemeanor.
larceny
The unlawful taking and carrying away of the personal property of another with the intent to deprive the owner of the property. Shoplifting is a form of this.
robbery
The wrongful taking and carrying away of the personal property of another through violence.
petty offenses
Some states classify lesser crimes as minor misdemeanors or this.
arson
The willful and malicious burning of a house or building.
kidnapping
The removal or restraint of a person against that person's will.
justifiable homicide
A police officer who kills a criminal in the line of duty or in self-defense may claim this.
defense of family members
A father who uses force to save his child from an attack may claim this.
required state of mind
The two elements that define a crime are the criminal act and this.
defendant
The person being tried for a crime.
embezzlement
The wrongful taking of another's property by a person who has been entrusted with that property.
entrapment
The accused may claim this if a law enforcement officer induces a law-abiding citizen to commit a crime.
aggravated assault
Threatening a person at gunpoint.