What is the general name for an intentional act prohibited by law?

• A. Crime
• B. Violation
• C. Offense
• D. Ordinance

Answer: (A)

In criminal law, the general term for an act that a person commits that is prohibited by the law and punishable by the state is a crime. This label emphasizes a public wrong against society and the role of the government in prosecuting the offense. Crimes typically involve some mental state, such as intent or recklessness, though there are strict-liability offenses where intent isn’t required. The other terms are narrower: a violation can refer to breaches of laws that may be civil or administrative; an offense is a broad term for a legal wrong but not specifically criminal; and an ordinance is a local law enacted by a municipality. So, crime is the best fit for the described act.