My basic rule of thumb is the rules set the general standard, but when something says it behaves as certain way in a specific instance it supersedes the general rule.
Of course I used to play magic quite a bit, and that was common in that game.
It isn't real clear what exactly constitutes a list of crimes though, I don't know how much they meant that to be just flavor text, but it does seem like it coud put some limitation on the spell, because you are right CRGreathouse it does seem like a fair amount of damage for a second level, especially since it is usuable against any creature and not just the undead.