Crimes of Omission and Crimes of Commission

Omission crimes are those like Failure to Register as Sex Offender ( statute 13VSA5407) and Failure to Report Child Abuse ( statute 33VSA4913). Commission crimes are those like Murder (statute 13VSA2301) and Assault & Robbery ( statute T13VSA608).

In looking at these types of crimes, think of an example - a situation that would meet those statutes. Now the important part: post your example and make an argument of whether this is a good or a bad use of the law. Try to think creatively. Perhaps the Sex Offender in question was 17, had a 15-year-old girlfriend, and was convicted as an adult? Perhaps a recently divorced woman saw her husband selling an item that she had left behind at the house when she moved out and took it back?

Focus on what Omission is and what Commission is.... is it OK to just "forget"? Do you have to really "mean it" for it to be illegal?