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 Ohio, crimes are indeed categorized by their nature, aligning with the broader legal tradition. Crimes against the person, such as assault, battery, rape, and murder, are offenses that cause physical harm or a threat of harm to individuals. These are covered under Ohio Revised Code Title 29, which details offenses against the peace and safety of persons. For example, assault is defined under ORC 2903.13, and murder under ORC 2903.02. On the other hand, crimes against property, such as criminal trespassing, burglary, robbery, bribery, blackmail, theft, and arson, involve the deprivation or damage to someone's property. These crimes are addressed in various sections of the Ohio Revised Code, including ORC 2911 for robbery and burglary, ORC 2913 for theft and fraud, and ORC 2909 for arson and related offenses. Each crime has specific elements that must be proven for a conviction and carries penalties that vary based on the severity of the offense.
