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 New Jersey, 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 taken very seriously and are often classified as felonies, with penalties ranging from fines and probation to long-term imprisonment, depending on the severity of the crime. On the other hand, 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 can range from disorderly persons offenses to felonies, with consequences varying based on the value of the property involved and the circumstances of the crime. New Jersey statutes provide specific definitions and penalties for each of these crimes, and the state's criminal code can be referenced for detailed information on the classification and potential sentences for each offense.