What are the two divisions of criminal law?

Criminal law is fundamentally divided into two main categories that help to distinguish the severity of offenses: felonies and misdemeanors.

Felonies are serious crimes that typically carry harsher penalties, including imprisonment for more than one year or even death in some jurisdictions. These offenses might include crimes such as murder, robbery, or serious drug offenses. The severity of these crimes means they are usually pursued with more stringent legal processes and consequences.

Misdemeanors, on the other hand, are less serious violations that usually result in lighter penalties, such as imprisonment for less than one year, fines, or community service. Examples include petty theft or simple assault. This division is important because it helps the legal system classify offenses and apply appropriate legal standards and consequences.

Understanding these two divisions is crucial for comprehending the broader scope of criminal law and its implications for society and individuals. The other options do not accurately reflect the established divisions within criminal law, as civil offenses are not classified under criminal law, petty crimes are generally considered a subset of misdemeanors, and infractions represent less severe offenses than misdemeanors.