Which of the following terms best describes an act that is forbidden or punishable by law?

The term that best describes an act that is forbidden or punishable by law is "crime." This designation implies that the act is not just morally wrong but has been outlined in legal statutes or regulations as prohibited behavior. Such laws are enforced by government authorities, and violations can result in criminal charges, fines, imprisonment, or other penalties.

The other terms do not carry the same legal implications. "Acceptance" generally refers to the approval or agreement to something, which doesn't pertain to legality. "Noncompliance" indicates a failure to adhere to rules or regulations, but it is not specifically tied to the notion of a punishable offense in the same definitive way as crime. "Duty" refers to a moral or legal obligation but does not describe an act that is specifically forbidden or penalized. Thus, "crime" is the correct choice as it clearly encapsulates the idea of an action that is expressly outlawed by legal standards.