The Norman Conquest made French the language of the official class in England. Hence, it is not surprising that many words having to do with government and administration are of French origin. The words crime and punishment are not an exception to this rule. The word crime was derived from the French word crime, meaning accusation, judgment or offenceand it was used instead of the English word sin. In order to avoid confusion, a distinction should be made between these two words. Sin is the taint that exists within the individuals mind and soul. It involves the notion of gloating over evil schemes without translating them into practice. Crime, one the other hand, is the tainted action and its grave consequences to others, an evil act which is born of sin.(