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 North Dakota, crimes are indeed categorized by their nature, aligning with the broader legal principles. Crimes against the person, such as assault, battery, rape, and murder, are offenses that cause physical or psychological harm to individuals. These are considered very serious and are outlined in the North Dakota Century Code (NDCC), with specific statutes detailing the elements and penalties for each offense. For example, assault and battery are covered under NDCC 12.1-17, while sexual offenses like rape are detailed in NDCC 12.1-20. On the other hand, crimes against property, such as criminal trespass, burglary, robbery, theft, and arson, involve the unlawful taking or damaging of another's property. These crimes are also defined in the NDCC, with burglary and robbery covered under NDCC 12.1-22, theft under NDCC 12.1-23, and arson under NDCC 12.1-21. Penalties for these crimes vary based on the severity of the offense and the value of the property involved. Both categories of crimes carry significant legal consequences, and individuals charged with such offenses may face fines, imprisonment, and other penalties upon conviction.