Legal Definitions - grade

Definition: A level or classificationbased on the seriousness of an offense or the intensity of a skill. It can also refer to a step in a process or a measure of removal in a blood or marital relationship.

In criminal law, a grade is an incremental step in the scale of punishments for offenses. It is based on the seriousness of the offense committed. For example, there are several grades of murder, each with its own level of punishment.

In the line of descent, a grade is a measure of removal determining the proximity of a blood or marital relationship. It is used to determine who is the closest heir and to establish the incest prohibition in marriage requirements. For example, a decedent's cousin stands in the fourth degree of relationship.

A degree is also a title conferred on a graduate of a school, college, or university. It is given either after the completion of required studies or in honor of special achievements. For example, receiving a law degree after passing the bar exam.

John was convicted of second-degree murder and received a sentence of 25 years in prison. This shows how the grade of the offense affected the punishment given.

When determining the closest heir to an estate, the degree of relationship is used. If the decedent's closest relative is a cousin, they would be in the fourth degree of relationship. This shows how the grade of relationship is used to determine inheritance.

After completing her studies, Sarah received a degree in engineering. This shows how the grade of academic achievement is recognized through the awarding of a degree.