misdemeanour

In Anglo-American law, a misdemeanor is a criminal offense less serious than a felony. Misdemeanors are typically punishable by fines or short jail sentences, whereas felonies carry penalties of a year or more in prison, or even the death penalty. In the U.S., a felony conviction can result in the loss of certain civil rights, such as the right to vote or own firearms, which is generally not the case for misdemeanors. While the distinction is important, some legal scholars question its utility, noting that classifications can sometimes seem arbitrary.12