Прочитайте и переведите следующие тексты: t e X t 1 Types of Criminal Offences

There are three types of criminal offences: summary, indictable and triable either way. The nature of the offence determines the mode of trial.

Summary offences are the less serious offences. These offences are tried in the magistrates’ court, without a jury, before a bench of two or three lay magistrates or by one district judge. The sentences of the magistrates’ courts are limited to imposing a fine of up to 5,000 pounds or a prison sentence of six months.

Indictable offences are the most serious offences. Examples are murder, manslaughter, rape and arson. The procedure for trying these offences begins in the magistrates’ court. This court has the duty to assess whether there is evidence or not to send the accused for trial by jury. If there is enough evidence, a trial will take place in the Crown court before a judge and a jury. This procedure is called “the committal,” that is the referring of a case from a magistrates’ court for trial at the Crown court following a preliminary investigation by the magistrates.

Certain types of offences are triable either way: either as an ‘indictable offence’ or as a ‘summary offence’. When an offence is triable either way, the magistrates’ court must decide, if the case should be tried on indictment or summarily. Even if they decide that they can hear the case themselves, they must give the defendant the choice of opting for trial upon indictment before a jury. These include offences of deception, theft, dangerous driving and some others.

T e X t 2 Kinds of Crimes in the usa

The word ‘crime’ is generally associated with the wrongdoing but not every type of wrong is a crime. For instance, failing to fulfil a term of a contract is a wrong, but it is purely a dispute between individuals.

However, stealing from another person is also a wrong but it falls under the criminal law because such actions are offences which can result in prosecution.

Thus, we may say a crime is an act that violates the criminal law of a community. Every crime is a crime against the state.

In general, there are two kinds of crime. Felonies, which include murder, robbery and arson, are the most serious. Anyone who commits a felony can be sent to a state prison. In some states certain felonies carry the death penalty.

Misdemeanors are less serious. The penalty is a fine or imprisonment of up to a year in jail. Shoplifting and driving while drunk are examples of misdemeanors.

In cases where it is not clear whether the crime is a felony or misdemeanor, it is a judge who makes the final decision.

Crimes may also be classified as being against persons or against property. Crimes against person include assault, murder and kidnapping.

Property crimes include burglary, robbery and auto theft.

Crime in the USA is often big business. Criminal organizations such as the Mafia and the Cosa Nostra are highly organized groups who control criminal activities in a community. Many criminals today hide behind respectable businesses and use them as cover-ups for their profitable

criminal activities.