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 Pennsylvania, crimes are indeed categorized by their nature, aligning with the broad classifications mentioned. Crimes against the person, such as assault, battery, rape, and murder, are offenses that cause physical or psychological harm to individuals. These are covered under Title 18 (Crimes and Offenses) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes. For example, assault can range from simple assault, which is generally a misdemeanor, to aggravated assault, which is a felony. Rape and murder are serious felonies with severe penalties. On the other hand, crimes against property, including criminal trespass, burglary, robbery, bribery, blackmail, theft, and arson, involve the unlawful taking or damaging of another's property. Theft can be classified as petty theft or grand theft depending on the value of the property involved, while burglary involves unlawful entry into a structure with intent to commit a crime therein. Arson, the willful burning of property, is also treated as a serious offense. The specific statutes provide detailed definitions, elements of the crime, and associated penalties for each offense.