The more serious crimes are felonies. These include murder, kidnapping, rape, arson, sexual assault, and burglary. Generally speaking, serious crimes that involve harm to persons will be classified as felonies.

• Who determines whether conduct constitutes a felony or a misdemeanor?
• What are the basic types of crimes?
• Is a trial judge required to give a definition of beyond a reasonable doubt?
• What exactly does beyond a reasonable doubt mean?
• What classic definition of beyond a reasonable doubt did Chief Justice Shaw provide?
• What distinguishes criminal law from civil law?
• What is a crime?
• Why is legal language sometimes hard to understand?
• If a party loses, what are his or her legal options?
• What are closing arguments
• What are jury instructions?
• What are briefs?
• What are expert witnesses?
• What happens during a trial?
• Are there any limitations on peremptory challenges?
• Are there other limits on who can be dismissed and not selected as jurors?
• Can attorneys challenge certain jurors?
• What happens at the trial process?
• What is a pre-trial conference?
• What are the rules of civil procedure?