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A Crime is Committed

Last updated on June 23, 2025

What is a Crime?

A crime is a breach of the basic rules of how to behave in society. It is a breach serious enough to be considered an offence against society as a whole, not just a specific person. More specifically, a crime is an act (something you do) or omission (something you don’t do) that is against the law and punishable upon conviction. Crime includes:

  • Criminal Code offences against a person or property
  • Drug offences
  • Motor vehicle offences
  • Offences in other provincial and federal statutes

Police may investigate a crime based upon a complaint or crime that has been reported.  Police may also find out about a crime if a person is caught in the act of committing a crime.

Jury Duty

A jury is a group of people who decide if an accused person in a criminal trial is guilty or if a claim in a civil trial has been proven. Learn more about jury duty.

Criminal Justice Glossary

Check our alphabetical list of criminal justice terms along with their definitions.