Which of the following best describes a crime?

• A. Private dispute
• B. An act of random chance
• C. A violation of civil procedure
• D. Public wrong

Answer: (D)

A crime is a public wrong—an act or omission that harms society as a whole and is prosecuted by the government under criminal law. The focus is on upholding public safety, order, and welfare, and punishment (like imprisonment or fines) is imposed by the state. This distinguishes crimes from private disputes, which are civil matters between individuals or entities and seek remedies like damages rather than punishment by the state. An act of random chance isn’t a crime, since crimes require a wrongful act or intent, and a violation of civil procedure is about how lawsuits are handled, not the wrongdoing itself. So describing crime as a public wrong best captures its nature within the legal system.