Which of the following best defines a crime?

A crime is best defined as an act forbidden by law or the omission of a duty commanded by public law. This definition captures the essential characteristics of criminal behavior: it specifies that a crime is based on legal codes established by society, and that it can involve either actively doing something that is prohibited or failing to perform a legal obligation.

Laws are created to maintain order and protect societal interests. Therefore, the essence of a crime is rooted in its legal prohibition or requirement rather than individual interpretations or societal benefits. This definition underscores the importance of legal statutes and governmental authority in defining and enforcing what constitutes a criminal act.

The other options do not accurately encompass the legal nature of crime. For instance, stating that a crime is simply any voluntary action ignores the critical aspect that not all voluntary actions are criminal—many are legal and even beneficial. Similarly, defining crime as actions determined by personal morals suggests that morality alone dictates criminality, which can vary greatly among individuals and cultures, thereby undermining the uniformity required in law. Lastly, claiming that crime is an act beneficial to society contradicts the very foundation of what is classified as a crime, as many crimes are recognized precisely because they harm individuals or society at large. Thus, option C provides the most accurate