Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Definition
Felonies are serious crimes that are punishable by more than one year in prison or by death. They include offenses such as murder, rape, arson, and burglary.
These are less serious crimes than felonies, punishable by less than one year in prison or fines.
Capital Punishment: A legal penalty where the offender is sentenced to death for committing certain types of felonies, especially murder.
Parole: The conditional release of a prisoner before the completion of their maximum sentence term, under supervision, after they have served part of their sentence for a felony