Infractions

/ɪnˈfrækʃənz/ noun

Definition

Minor violations or breaches of rules, laws, or agreements that are less serious than major crimes.

Etymology

From Latin 'infractio,' meaning 'a breaking,' derived from 'infrangere' (to break). The prefix 'in-' intensifies the action, and '-tion' makes it a noun; it entered English in the 15th century.

Kelly Says

Infractions are the legal system's way of saying 'not quite criminal'—they're technical violations that keep society running smoothly without clogging courts with serious criminals, which is why a parking ticket and a felony are different infractions entirely.

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