Crime is a violation of criminal law for which formal penalties are applied by some governmental authority. What constitutes a crime is defined by legal statutes at the local, state, or federal level, and these definitions can vary across jurisdictions and change over time. Crimes are typically classified based on their severity, ranging from minor offenses (misdemeanors) to serious felonies. The criminal justice system, including law enforcement agencies, courts, and correctional institutions, is responsible for enforcing criminal laws, apprehending offenders, and administering penalties, which can include fines, probation, imprisonment, or, in some cases, capital punishment. Sociologists study crime from various perspectives, examining its social causes, patterns, and consequences, as well as the functioning of the criminal justice system and its impact on society.