Felony and Misdemeanour Split Crimes by Seriousness
A felony is a serious crime. The distinction survives in America but was abolished in England in 1967.
A felony is a serious crime, historically one punishable by forfeiture of property. The division between felony and misdemeanour shaped English law for centuries and was abolished in England and Wales in 1967, replaced by arrestable and non-arrestable offences. American law kept it, which is why the word is now heard far more in the United States.
- A serious crime. *Convicted of a felony.*
- Felon — one convicted of a felony. *A convicted felon.*
- Misdemeanour — a lesser crime. *A misdemeanour charge.*
Word forms
| Form | Word | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Noun | felony | A serious felony. |
| Plural | felonies | Multiple felonies. |
| Person | felon | A convicted felon. |
| Adjective | felonious | Felonious intent. |
| Contrast | misdemeanour | A minor misdemeanour. |
How it is used in a sentence
- He was charged with a felony.American law.
- England abolished the distinction in 1967.Criminal Law Act.
- Indictable offence is the modern English term.For serious crimes.
Categories of offence
- Felony — serious crime, in American law
- Misdemeanour — a lesser crime
- Indictable offence — the English term for serious crimes tried in the Crown Court
- Summary offence — tried in a magistrates' court
- Either-way offence — can be tried in either court
From Old French *felonie*, from *felon*, a wicked person, of uncertain origin, possibly from Latin *fel*, gall or bitterness.
Does England still use *felony*?
No. The distinction was abolished in 1967. English law now speaks of indictable, summary and either-way offences.
What made a crime a felony?
Historically, that conviction brought forfeiture of the offender's land and goods to the Crown, as well as any other punishment.