法律英语中表示“犯罪”的词汇有多种,这些词汇可以根据犯罪的性质、严重程度和法律框架有所不同。以下是一些常见的与“犯罪”相关的词汇:
Crime: An act or the commission of an act that is forbidden or the omission of a duty that is commanded by a public law and that makes the offender liable to punishment by that law.
泛指任何违法行为或犯罪行为,是最常用的术语。
如
Committing theft is considered a crime.
犯盗窃被视为一种犯罪行为。
Offense: A violation of law or an act that contravenes a criminal law. The term can refer to both minor and serious violations.
通常指违反法律的行为,可以用于指代轻微或严重的犯罪。
如
Driving under the influence of alcohol is a serious offense.
酒后驾车是一项严重违法行为。
Felony: A serious crime, usually punishable by death or imprisonment for a term exceeding one year. Felonies include crimes like murder, rape, and burglary.
指重罪,如谋杀、强奸、重大盗窃等,这类犯罪的刑罚通常较重。
如
Murder is classified as a felony.
谋杀被归类为重罪。
Misdemeanor: A criminal offense that is less serious than a felony and is punishable by fine, penalty, forfeiture, or confinement (usually for a brief term) in a place other than prison (such as a county jail).
指轻罪,比重罪轻,如小偷小摸、公共醉酒等,这类犯罪的刑罚相对较轻。
如
Shoplifting is usually considered a misdemeanor.
商店扒窃通常被视为轻罪。
Infraction: A minor violation or breach of law which is not punishable by imprisonment but may be subject to a fine. Infractions include traffic violations and other minor regulatory offenses.
指违反法律的小错,通常不被视为刑事犯罪,如交通违规。
如
A parking violation is considered an infraction.
停车违规被认为是一种违规行为。
Delinquency: Typically refers to offenses committed by juveniles. It implies failure to do what law or duty requires.
常用于描述青少年的违法行为。
如
Juvenile delinquency is a growing concern in urban areas.
青少年犯罪在城市地区是一个日益严重的问题。