What is a misdemeanor?

A misdemeanor is classified as a minor wrongdoing, which differentiates it from more severe categories of crime, such as felonies. Misdemeanors are typically less serious offenses that may result in less severe penalties, such as shorter jail time, fines, or community service. They often include actions that, while bothersome or harmful, do not pose a significant threat to public safety when compared to major crimes.

In the context of the choices provided, this definition aligns perfectly with identifying a misdemeanor as a minor wrongdoing, as it encapsulates the essence of less serious offenses within the legal framework. The other options do not accurately capture this definition: serious crimes are typically categorized as felonies; a financial penalty may accompany a misdemeanor but does not define it; and a law against discrimination pertains to civil rights issues rather than the classification of criminal offenses.