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 South Carolina, crimes are indeed categorized by their nature, aligning with the broader classification of crimes against the person and crimes against property. Crimes against the person, such as assault, battery, rape, and murder, are offenses that cause physical harm or pose a direct threat to an individual's safety. These are considered very serious and carry significant penalties, including lengthy prison sentences for more severe offenses like murder or rape. On the other hand, 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 crimes can range from misdemeanors to felonies, depending on factors like the value of the property involved and the presence of aggravating circumstances. South Carolina statutes provide specific definitions and penalties for each of these crimes, and the state's legal system prosecutes them accordingly.