What type of crime is punishable by death or life imprisonment?

The type of crime that is punishable by death or life imprisonment is a felony. Felonies are serious offenses that typically involve severe harm or threat to individuals or society, and as such, they carry the most significant penalties in the criminal justice system. These crimes can include murder, rape, robbery, and serious drug offenses, among others. The severity of the consequences reflects the gravity of the offenses.

Misdemeanors, infractions, and summary offenses are all lesser categories of crime, generally associated with less severe penalties, such as fines, probation, or short-term imprisonment. Misdemeanors may result in jail time, but the maximum sentences usually do not reach the level of life imprisonment or death. Thus, the distinction of a felony is critical when discussing the most serious types of crimes within the legal framework.