Which of the following defines a crime?

The statement defining a crime as "an action or omission that constitutes an offense punishable by law" is accurate because it captures the essential characteristics of a crime within legal frameworks. A crime involves either acting in a way that breaches statutory laws or failing to act when obligated to do so, where such actions or omissions are explicitly categorized as criminal offenses.

This definition underscores two key elements: the nature of the act or omission and the aspect of legal accountability. By stating that the behavior is punishable by law, it clarifies that a crime incurs legal consequences, often involving sanctions such as fines, imprisonment, or other forms of punishment. This is foundational in legal systems, as laws are established to maintain order and provide a framework for acceptable behavior.

The other definitions mentioned do not accurately capture the concept of a crime. Actions that are legally permissible or authorized exemptions from the law refer to legal behaviors rather than criminal behavior. Additionally, a civil dispute pertains to non-criminal cases, such as breaches of contract or family law issues, which do not involve criminal prosecution, thus departing from the definition of a crime.