An act, or failure to act, that is prohibited by public law to protect the public from harm is defined as?

The term that describes an act, or failure to act, that is prohibited by public law to protect the public from harm is a crime. This definition encompasses a wide range of illegal activities, from serious offenses to minor infractions, all of which are established by legal statutes designed to maintain public order and safety. Crimes can vary in severity and can be classified into different categories such as felonies and misdemeanors, but the overarching concept is the violation of laws created to protect society.

A felony is a specific type of crime that typically involves serious offenses and harsh penalties, whereas a misdemeanor refers to less serious violations. Assault, on the other hand, is a particular type of crime involving harm or the threat of harm to an individual. Each of these terms relates to the broader category of 'crime,' which is why the correct answer is focused on the general term that captures all such acts and omissions as prohibited by law.