definition of a misdemeanor
A misdemeanor is considered a crime of low seriousness, and a felony one of high seriousness. A principle of the rationale for the degree of punishment meted out is that the punishment should fit the crime. One standard for measurement is the degree to which a crime affects others or society. Measurements of the degree of seriousness of a crime have been developed. The distinction between felonies and misdemeanors has been abolished by several common law jurisdictions (e.g. Australia).