Crimes are sometimes broadly classified or categorized by their nature—such as (1) crimes that are harmful to the victim’s body (assault, battery, rape, and murder) and are known as crimes against the person; and (2) crimes that are harmful to the victim by depriving him of his property or damaging his property and are known as crimes against property (criminal trespassing, burglary, robbery, bribery, blackmail, theft, arson).

In Kentucky, crimes are indeed categorized by their nature, aligning with the broader classification of crimes against the person and crimes against property. Crimes against the person, such as assault, battery, rape, and murder, are offenses that cause physical harm or are a threat to the physical safety and life of individuals. Kentucky law defines various degrees of these crimes, with corresponding penalties that escalate with the severity of the harm or risk caused. For example, assault in Kentucky can range from fourth-degree (a misdemeanor) to first-degree (a felony), depending on factors like the intent and extent of injury. Crimes against property, such as criminal trespassing, burglary, robbery, bribery, blackmail, theft, and arson, involve the unlawful taking or damaging of another's property. These crimes are codified in Kentucky's Penal Code with specific statutes outlining the elements of each offense and the associated penalties. For instance, robbery in Kentucky is distinguished by the use of force or threat in the act of theft, and it can be classified from second-degree (a felony) to first-degree (a more serious felony) based on the circumstances, such as the presence of a deadly weapon or physical injury to any person.