contract-law legal-terms
Is there a difference between &quot;illegal activity&quot; and &quot;criminal activity&quot;?
<p>What is the difference in meaning and use of the phrases "illegal activity" and "criminal activity"? Is one broader than the other? </p>

<p>Illegal activity is activity that contravenes the law.</p>

<p>Criminal activity is illegal activity that is also a crime. What constitutes a crime is usually detailed in a criminal code in each jurisdiction but can derive from common law crimes like murder, arson, rape etc. A crime is an offense against society and is generally prosecuted by the state.</p>

<p>For example (may vary by jurisdiction):</p>

<ul>
<li>Breaking a contract - illegal</li>
<li>Stopping in a No Stopping zone - illegal</li>
<li>Negligently polluting the environment - illegal</li>
<li>Breaking someone's arm - crime</li>
<li>Deliberately ramming someone with your car - crime</li>
<li>Recklessly polluting the environment - crime</li>
</ul>
