According to the U.S. Code, what defines a felony?

The U.S. Code defines a felony as any offense punishable by death or imprisonment for a term exceeding one year. This definition is significant because it establishes the classification of serious crimes, distinguishing felonies from misdemeanors, which are typically punishable by lesser, shorter terms of incarceration. Understanding this classification is crucial for interpreting criminal law and its consequences, as felonies often carry more severe penalties, including longer sentences, higher fines, and potential loss of civil rights.

The inclusion of both death penalty eligibility and imprisonment exceeding one year in the definition emphasizes the severity of felonies compared to other categories of offenses, reflecting their impact on public safety and welfare. This classification plays a vital role in legal proceedings, influencing everything from charging decisions to sentencing, and it is essential for legal practitioners and security professionals to be aware of these distinctions.