Final answer:
Crime is classified as violent or nonviolent based on the use of force or threat of force. Offense-specific crimes are specific to a particular offense, while offender-specific crimes focus on the characteristics and behaviors of the offender.
Step-by-step explanation:
In modern U.S. society, crimes are classified as one of two types based on their severity. Violent crimes (also known as "crimes against a person") are based on the use of force or the threat of force. Nonviolent crimes involve the destruction or theft of property but do not use force or the threat of force.
Offense-specific crimes are those that are specific to a particular offense, such as murder or theft. Offender-specific crimes, on the other hand, focus on the characteristics and behaviors of the offender, such as hate crimes or repeat offenses.