
好词典

源自中古英语 misdemeanour,由 mis-(错误)+ demeanor(行为)构成,字面意为不当行为。法律术语用法始于15世纪。
❶ 指相对较轻的违法行为,通常处罚较轻,如扰乱治安、小额盗窃等。与重罪相比,这类罪行对社会危害较小。
“Shoplifting is considered a misdemeanor in most states.”
(在大多数州,商店行窃被视为轻罪。)
“He was charged with misdemeanors for public intoxication.”
(他因公共场所醉酒被控轻罪。)
petty misdemeanors — 特指最轻微的违法行为,通常仅处以罚款而无需监禁,如违章停车等。
“Littering is categorized as a petty misdemeanor with a $100 fine.”
(乱扔垃圾被归类为轻微轻罪,处以100美元罚款。)