Shoplifting, Larceny, Robbery, Theft Jaywalking

[Xander756]

Is jaywalking considered a crime? According to the New York Penal Law book, it says a "Crime" means a misdemeanor or a felony. Jaywalking obviously is neither of these things. But I'm wondering if the definitions section of the penal law book is simply for ease of use when reading it as a document so they don't have to continually write each classification of crime. For example, writing in a contract that "Anthony H Popkins Jr." will later be referred to as "APJ" or something. Just to save time and make things easier to understand.

According to the actual definition of the word "crime" in dictionaries such as Merriam-Webster, it simply means a violation of the laws of an established government resulting in punishment of the offender. Under this definition, jaywalking WOULD be a crime.

I'm confused then.

 

[mightymoose]

There are three types of crimes- felonies, misdemeanors, and infractions. Jaywalking is an infraction, the least serious type.

 

[Xander756]

True, but is it still technically considered a "crime" even though the penal code defines "crime" as a misdemeanor or felony?

 

[mightymoose]

Yes, and if you searched it through you would find things within the Penal Code classified as infractions- and often times, with certain misdemeanors such as petty theft, they will be handled as infractions.