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 Michigan, crimes are indeed categorized by their nature, aligning with the broader legal tradition. Crimes against the person, such as assault, battery, rape, and murder, are offenses that cause physical harm or a threat of harm to individuals. These are covered under various sections of the Michigan Penal Code. For example, assault and battery are typically covered under MCL 750.81, while more severe offenses like murder are detailed under MCL 750.316. On the other hand, crimes against property involve the deprivation of property, damage to property, or interference with another person's property rights. These include criminal trespass (MCL 750.552), burglary (MCL 750.110), robbery (MCL 750.529), bribery (MCL 750.117), blackmail (often prosecuted under extortion laws, MCL 750.213), theft (larceny, MCL 750.356), and arson (MCL 750.72). Each crime has specific elements that must be proven by the prosecution to secure a conviction and prescribed penalties that vary based on the severity of the offense.