What constitutes a felony under Louisiana law?

Under Louisiana law, a felony is defined specifically as a crime that is punishable by death or by imprisonment for a term exceeding one year. This classification of crimes distinguishes felonies from misdemeanors, which typically involve less severe penalties and are punishable by fines or imprisonment for less than one year.

The rationale for categorizing crimes in this way is to address the severity and potential harm caused by different types of offenses. Felonies are considered more serious crimes and therefore carry heavier penalties, reflecting the state's interest in public safety and justice.

In contrast, other options describe punishments that do not meet the criteria for a felony. For instance, crimes that are punishable by a fine or by imprisonment for less than one year would fall under the category of misdemeanors. Similarly, while community service can be a penalty for certain offenses, it does not indicate the severity of the crime in the same way that imprisonment for more than one year does. Therefore, option C accurately encapsulates the definition of a felony under Louisiana law.