This document defines and compares cognizable and non-cognizable offenses. Cognizable offenses allow the police to independently investigate and make arrests without court approval, are non-bailable, and include crimes like murder, rape, and theft. Non-cognizable offenses require court permission for investigation and arrests, are bailable, and include crimes like forgery, cheating, and assault. The key difference is whether the police have autonomous power to investigate or require court approval.