What defines a criminal offence?

A criminal offence is defined specifically as a breach of a federal statute that is recognized as harmful to society and punishable by law. This includes actions deemed illegal at the federal or provincial level, which typically involve conduct that goes against the established laws designed to maintain public order and safety. Criminal offences are categorized into various classes, such as misdemeanors and felonies, based on their severity and the potential penalties they entail.

In contrast, minor violations of local rules generally fall under administrative or civil infractions rather than criminal offences, as they do not typically involve the same degree of societal harm. Similarly, infractions of municipal codes, while they can lead to fines or penalties, do not carry the same weight as criminal offences under federal law. Lastly, violations of civil law pertain more to disputes between individuals or organizations where compensation or restitution is sought rather than punishment by the state, further differentiating them from criminal offences.