In English law a crime may be described as an act,default, or conduct prejudicial to the community,the commission of which by law renders the person responsible liable to punishment by fine or imprisonment in special preceedings,normally instituted by officers in the service of the Crown.Indictable offences (other than treason) were formerly divided into felonies and misdemeanours but the distinction between the two was abolished by the Criminal Law Act 1967. Crimes are now classified as indictable offences or summary offences. Offences which may only be tried on indictment are tried by the Crown court before a judge and jury; offences which are triable summarily will be tried before justices of the peace in a Magistrates court; some offences are triable either way and may be tried in the Crown or in the Magistrates court.
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