Quote:
Originally Posted by HarryT
I'm sorry, but I don't know what you mean by "felony" - I don't think we use that word in Britain. If you tell me what it means, I'll tell you whether or not speeding is one!
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The term "felony" originates in English law, and denoted a crime for which one's estate or one's life (execution or exile) was forfeited to the crown. Broadly speaking, it stood in contrast to "misdemeanor," which refered to a crime punishable by a fine or short term loss of liberty.
Historically, in England, felonies involved royal courts, and misdemeanors involved the local squire.
I suspect that the terms are still relevant in English law, and I'm confident that speeding is not a felony, unless maybe you run over the Queen...