What is the definition of a crime in legal terms?

The definition of a crime in legal terms revolves around the idea that it is an act that is explicitly forbidden or punishable under the law. This definition is grounded in the legal framework established by statutes and regulations, which delineate certain behaviors as unacceptable based on societal consent reflected in law. When an act is classified as a crime, it typically means that there are legal consequences, such as arrest, prosecution, and potential punishment, for those who commit that particular act.

While acts that are socially unacceptable or against moral standards can sometimes overlap with legal definitions of crime, they are not strictly defined by law. Similarly, the concept of crime extends beyond documentation in law books; it encompasses all prohibited behaviors regardless of their presence in written legal texts. The legal definition emphasizes the role of enforceable laws and the state's authority in defining and prosecuting criminal behavior. Therefore, the correct answer captures the essential legal characteristics of what constitutes a crime.