What constitutes a crime?

The correct answer highlights that a crime is defined as any act or omission that violates a law, which is established by the governing authority of a society. This legal definition is fundamental to understanding criminology, as it distinguishes criminal behavior from other types of social misconduct. Laws are created to maintain order, protect individuals and property, and uphold societal values. When someone breaches these laws, it constitutes a crime, regardless of the severity or social agreement about the act.

By contrast, a social disagreement reflects conflicts or differing opinions that do not necessarily involve legal violations. Serious offenses may encompass a subset of crimes, but not all crimes are serious. Many minor infractions, such as traffic violations, are also classified as crimes. Lastly, violations of social norms pertain to breaches of socially accepted behavior that might not be codified into law, thus distinguishing them from legal definitions of crime.