Legal Definitions - crime of omission

A crime of omission is when someone fails to do something they are legally required to do, and this failure is considered a criminal offense. It is a breach of a legal duty that is punishable by law.

• A lifeguard who fails to save a drowning person
• A doctor who fails to provide necessary medical treatment to a patient
• A parent who fails to provide basic necessities like food and shelter to their child

These examples illustrate how a person can be held criminally responsible for not taking action when they have a legal obligation to do so. In each case, the person's failure to act resulted in harm to another person, which is why it is considered a crime.