What must a statute do for an act or omission to be considered a crime in Kansas?

For an act or omission to be classified as a crime in Kansas, it is essential that it is described within a state statute or ordinance. This means that the behavior or conduct must be clearly defined in law, providing a legal basis for prosecution. Statutes serve to outline what actions are prohibited and the corresponding penalties, ensuring that individuals are aware of the legal expectations and potential consequences of their actions. This principle aligns with the broader concept of legality, which asserts that there can be no crime without a law specifying such an offense.

In contrast, simply reporting an act to law enforcement, the necessity of a public setting, or the involvement of multiple individuals does not inherently establish that a crime has occurred. These factors may be relevant to specific situations or types of crimes, but they are not foundational requirements for categorizing an act as criminal under Kansas law.