Crimes are sometimes broadly classified or categorized by their nature—such as (1) crimes that are harmful to the victim’s body (assault, battery, rape, and murder) and are known as crimes against the person; and (2) crimes that are harmful to the victim by depriving him of his property or damaging his property and are known as crimes against property (criminal trespassing, burglary, robbery, bribery, blackmail, theft, arson).
In Mississippi, crimes are categorized into two broad classifications: crimes against the person and crimes against property. Crimes against the person include offenses that cause physical harm or a threat to the victim's body, such as assault, battery, rape, and murder. These offenses are taken very seriously and can result in severe penalties, including imprisonment, fines, and a permanent criminal record. On the other hand, crimes against property involve the deprivation of a person's property rights or damage to their property. Examples of these crimes include criminal trespassing, burglary, robbery, bribery, blackmail, theft, and arson. The penalties for property crimes can also be substantial, varying based on the severity of the offense, the value of the property involved, and the circumstances of the crime. Both categories of crimes are addressed under the Mississippi Code, which provides specific statutes outlining the elements of each offense, potential defenses, and the associated penalties.