Offence

In law, an offence is a violation of the criminal law (a.k.a. penal law).

In England and Wales, the term "offence" means the same thing as, and is interchangeable with, the term "crime".^[1] (But see the statutory definitions of the term "crime" in that article). This is also the case in Hong Kong.

The term offence can include misdemeanour and felony.^{[citation needed]}

In common law usage, 'offence' differs from 'crime' in that there is typically no victim, but the action remains prohibited by statute.^{[citation needed]}

References

1. ^ Glanville Williams, Learning the Law, Eleventh Edition, Stevens, 1982, page 3

• Ontario Women's Justice Network: Legal Glossary
• Robertson Hyetts Solicitors: Legal Terms

See also

• crime
• felony
• indictable offence
• infraction
• misdemeanor
• summary offence

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