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 Nebraska, 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 considered very serious and are often felonies, with penalties that can include imprisonment, fines, or both. For example, assault in Nebraska can range from a misdemeanor for simple assault to a felony for aggravated assault. Crimes against property, such as criminal trespassing, burglary, robbery, bribery, blackmail, theft, and arson, involve the taking of property, damage to property, or unlawful entry with the intent to commit a crime. These can also range from misdemeanors to felonies, depending on factors like the value of the property involved and the presence of any aggravating circumstances. Nebraska statutes provide specific definitions and penalties for each of these crimes, which are prosecuted under state law and can result in varying degrees of punishment based on the severity of the offense and the circumstances surrounding it.