The difference between an act and an offense.

There are many paronyms in the Russian language. While sounding similar, they have different lexical meanings. Take, for example, the terms "deed" and "misconduct", which are systematically confused with each other. Obviously, the first word is much more often used in everyday use and its meaning is clear to absolutely everyone. Whereas the second is usually referred to as professional legal terminology.

Definitions

Act

Act - a conscious action through which a person is affirmed as a person in relation to himself, other people or society as a whole. It is the basic unit of social behavior. Not every action of an individual can be called an action, but only one that is performed under the influence of a conscious choice. Its content determines the morality and ethics of behavior, the difference between evil and good. An act consists of the following components: motive, goals, subject of transformation, means, process, result and assessment. Thus, a person's actions are preceded by an internal plan, a developed intention. In addition, the individual has a forecast of the expected results and consequences of the perfect act for the people around him or society. It is worth noting that an act can be expressed both in action and in inaction. For example, a person is able to express his position in words or demonstrate his attitude towards someone with the help of a glance, facial expressions, intonation, etc. We add that when assessing an act, it is necessary to take into account the system of norms and values ​​adopted in a particular society.

Misdemeanor

Misdemeanor - an act or omission that infringes on public relations. It is illegal. It is committed by persons capable of independently bearing responsibility for the harm caused. Compared to crime, misconduct poses less danger to society. Its classification directly depends on the sphere of social relations within which the act is committed. In jurisprudence, there are three main types of misconduct: disciplinary, civil and administrative. The first includes violations of labor regulations or other requirements of industrial, educational, service or military discipline. The second is non-observance of norms in the sphere of property or personal relations. The third is a guilty act that infringes upon the public or state order, the rights and freedoms of citizens, their property, etc. It should be added that the offense is often committed not only intentionally, but also through negligence. An example of this is an accidental violation of traffic rules.

Comparison

As can be seen from the definitions, the considered acts differ in a number of parameters. To begin with, the word "deed" has a neutral emotional connotation. That is, it can be both positive and negative. It all depends on the nature of the actions and their consequences. After all, an act with an equal degree of frequency is used with the prefix “heroic” or, on the contrary, “immoral”. Whereas the word "offense" always contains a negative meaning. This is an unlawful act that infringes on public relations. Often it entails some kind of punishment (fine, reprimand, dismissal) up to administrative responsibility. A reward may be awarded for an act, gratitude may be expressed. Although an unseemly act is often subject to public condemnation.

Another difference between an act and a misdemeanor is that the first can be committed by anyone, be it a child or a mentally unbalanced person. The second term is used only in relation to a sensitive person, that is, to an individual who is able to bear responsibility for the harm caused. In addition, the offense is always of a public nature and poses a certain threat to society. In this regard, the essence of this concept lies in the field of jurisprudence. In comparison, an act is a commonly used term that affects various spheres of human life. It does not always have a social orientation and can act as a way of affirming an individual in relation to himself.

To summarize, what is the difference between an act and an offense.

Act Misconduct
Can be as positive and negativeAlways has a negative connotation
Does not go beyond the lawIs a wrongful act
May be encouraged or condemnedConvicts punishment
Committed by anyoneThe term is used only in relation to a sensitive person
Does not always have a social orientationHas a public character
Affects various spheres of people's livesThe concept lies in the field of jurisprudence
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