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 Massachusetts, 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 or psychological harm to individuals. These crimes are taken very seriously and carry various penalties depending on the severity of the offense. For example, assault and battery can range from misdemeanors to felonies, with increased penalties if the victim is a child, elderly, or pregnant, or if the perpetrator is known to the victim. Rape is a felony with severe penalties, including imprisonment and registration as a sex offender. Murder is the most serious crime against the person and can result in life imprisonment or even the death penalty under federal law in certain circumstances. Crimes against property, such as criminal trespassing, burglary, robbery, bribery, blackmail, theft, and arson, involve the deprivation or damage to someone's property. These offenses can range from misdemeanors to felonies, with penalties including fines, restitution, and imprisonment. The severity of the punishment often correlates with the value of the property involved and the circumstances of the crime, such as the use of force or the presence of a weapon during a robbery. Massachusetts law provides specific statutes for each of these crimes, outlining the elements of the offense and the associated penalties.