felony
Meaning: A serious criminal offence, historically more grave than a misdemeanour; in current usage, a term for a grave crime such as murder, robbery, or arson.
The formal distinction between felonies and misdemeanours was abolished in English law by the Criminal Law Act 1967. However, 'felony' remains in common usage in American English as a legal classification for serious crimes carrying sentences of more than one year in prison. In British English, it is now used informally or in historical contexts. A person who commits a felony is a 'felon.' Common collocations include 'commit a felony,' 'convicted felon,' and 'felony charge.'
Examples
- In American law, a felony conviction can result in the loss of voting rights in some states. 在美国法律中,重罪定罪可能导致在某些州失去投票权。En el derecho estadounidense, la condena por un delito grave puede suponer la pérdida del derecho al voto en algunos estados.アメリカ法では、重罪の有罪判決により一部の州で投票権を失う可能性がある。미국법에서는 중죄 유죄 판결을 받으면 일부 주에서 투표권을 상실할 수 있다.
- The Criminal Law Act 1967 abolished the distinction between felonies and misdemeanours in England and Wales. 1967年《刑法法案》废除了英格兰和威尔士的重罪与轻罪之间的区分。La Ley Penal de 1967 abolió la distinción entre delitos graves y faltas en Inglaterra y Gales.1967年の刑法により、イングランドとウェールズにおける重罪と軽罪の区別が廃止された。1967년 형법은 잉글랜드와 웨일스에서 중죄와 경죄의 구분을 폐지했다.
- Armed robbery is classified as a felony in most jurisdictions around the world. 持械抢劫在世界大多数司法管辖区被归类为重罪。El robo a mano armada se clasifica como delito grave en la mayoría de las jurisdicciones del mundo.武装強盗は世界のほとんどの法域で重罪に分類されている。무장 강도는 전 세계 대부분의 관할권에서 중죄로 분류된다.
Pronunciation
Usage Guide
Context: professional, media, academic
Tone: neutral
Origin & History
From Old French felonie (wickedness, treachery), from felon (wicked, criminal), possibly from medieval Latin fello (traitor, villain), of uncertain earlier origin. Entered English in the 13th century.
Cultural Context
Era: Modern
Generation: All ages
Social background: Universal
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