Crime vs. Delict — What's the Difference?

A crime is an act against the law, such as burglary.

Delict law covers a wide range of personal injuries.

Crimes can be classified into felonies and misdemeanors.

Delict involves a wrongful act causing harm to someone, like defamation.

The prosecution of crimes serves public interest and safety.

Delicts are addressed through civil lawsuits for damages.

Crimes involve actions punishable by the state, like vandalism.

In delict cases, the focus is on compensating the victim.

Criminal acts require intent or negligence, such as manslaughter.

The resolution of delicts often involves monetary settlements.

An act committed in violation of law where the consequence of conviction by a court is punishment, especially where the punishment is a serious one such as imprisonment.

A wrongful act under law, such as a tort or a criminal offense.

Unlawful activity

Delict (from Latin dēlictum, past participle of dēlinquere ‘to be at fault, offend’) is a term in civil and mixed law jurisdictions whose exact meaning varies from jurisdiction to jurisdiction but is always centred on the notion of wrongful conduct. In Scots and Roman Dutch law, it always refers to a tort, which can be defined as a civil wrong consisting of an intentional or negligent breach of duty of care that inflicts loss or harm and which triggers legal liability for the wrongdoer.

Any great wickedness or sin; iniquity.

A wrongful act, analogous to a tort in common law.

In ordinary language, a crime is an unlawful act punishable by a state or other authority. The term crime does not, in modern criminal law, have any simple and universally accepted definition, though statutory definitions have been provided for certain purposes.

(legal) The branch of law dealing in delicts.

A serious offense, especially one in violation of morality.

An offense or transgression against law; (Scots Law) an offense of a lesser degree; a misdemeanor.

An unjust, senseless, or disgraceful act or condition

(countable) A specific act committed in violation of the law.

(countable) Any great sin or wickedness; iniquity.

That which occasions crime.

(uncountable) Criminal acts collectively.

(uncountable) The habit or practice of committing crimes.

To subject to disciplinary punishment.

(nonce word) To commit crime.

Any violation of law, either divine or human; an omission of a duty commanded, or the commission of an act forbidden by law.

Gross violation of human law, in distinction from a misdemeanor or trespass, or other slight offense. Hence, also, any aggravated offense against morality or the public welfare; any outrage or great wrong.

That which occasion crime.

(criminal law) an act punishable by law; usually considered an evil act;

An evil act not necessarily punishable by law;

Crimes are prosecuted by governmental authorities.

Crimes are often classified into felonies and misdemeanors based on severity.

Intent or negligence can be factors in determining liability in delict cases.

Any act that violates statutory law and is punishable by the state.

Punishments include imprisonment, fines, or community service.

Yes, some acts can lead to both criminal prosecution and civil litigation for damages.

A delict is a civil wrong or injury caused to an individual, requiring compensation.

Delicts are usually resolved through civil lawsuits and monetary compensation.

Yes, incidents like a car accident can result in both criminal charges and a delict claim for damages.

The burden of proof is typically higher in criminal cases (beyond a reasonable doubt) than in civil delict cases (preponderance of the evidence).

Yes, a victim can pursue a delict claim independently of any criminal prosecution.

Yes, corporations can be liable for delicts if their actions cause harm.

Society often views crimes as offenses against public order, while delicts are seen as personal wrongs needing rectification.

Delicts are considered private matters between the parties involved.

Yes, crimes focus on punishment and deterrence, while delicts focus on compensating the victim.