What type of law would cover less serious crimes such as petty theft?

The correct answer is that petty theft is classified as a misdemeanor. Misdemeanors are considered less serious offenses compared to felonies and are punishable by less severe penalties, such as fines or short-term imprisonment, typically in a local jail rather than a state prison.

Petty theft, which involves the unlawful taking of someone else's property of relatively low value, falls under the category of misdemeanors because it does not pose a significant threat to public safety or security compared to more serious crimes, which are classified as felonies.

Other options describe different categories of offenses. High treason is a serious crime against one's country and is treated with severe penalties. Infractions refer to minor violations or offenses, such as traffic tickets, that usually do not carry jail time but may involve penalties or fines. Felonies are serious crimes that warrant significant prison time and may include serious offenses such as robbery or murder. Understanding these distinctions is crucial within the judicial branch as they affect legal proceedings, potential sentences, and the overall categorization of crimes within the legal system.