INTRODUCTION TO CRIMINAL LAW INTENTIONS AND CRIME Criminal

INTRODUCTION TO CRIMINAL LAW

INTENTIONS AND CRIME Criminal liability = Actus Reus + Mens Rea (or strict liability) Actus Reus - action or conduct which is a constituent element of a crime Mens Rea – criminal state of mind – the prohibited act was done intentionally, knowingly, or willfully Motive – a reason for performing a criminal act Strict liability crimes – crimes that don’t require a guilty state of mind Ex. Statutory rape https: //lawshelf. com/videos/entry/mens-rea-the-criminalstate-of-mind

THE ELEMENTS OF A CRIME Every crime is defined by certain elements, each of which must be proven at trial in order to convict the offender. Robbery is defined as the unlawful taking and carrying away of goods or money from someone’s person by force or intimidation. Thus, the elements of robbery are (1) the taking and carrying away of goods or money, (2) the taking from someone’s person, and (3) the use of force or intimidation.

FEDERALISM AND CRIME Criminal laws exist at both the state and federal levels. Most crimes committed are state crimes, unless they occur on federal property Ex. simple assault, disorderly conduct, drunk driving, and shoplifting Federal crimes must break federal criminal statutes and can only be prosecuted in federal court Ex. failure to pay federal taxes, mail fraud, espionage, and international smuggling Certain crimes can violate both federal and state law and can be prosecuted at both levels

CLASSES OF CRIMES

There are different levels/classes of felonies and misdemeanors, that correspond to a specific sentencing guideline. For example, in CLASSES OF CRIMES Virginia:

- Also called an “accomplice”

https: //lawshelf. com/videos/entry/actus-reus-the-physicalact-of-committing-a-crime

PARTIES TO A CRIME

CRIMES AGAINST THE PERSON

CRIMES AGAINST THE PERSON The term “crimes against the person” refers to a broad array of criminal offenses which usually involve bodily harm, the threat of bodily harm, or other actions committed against the will of an individual Crimes against the person include homicide, kidnapping, assault, battery, robbery, and rape and sexual assault. All of these crimes are serious offenses. A defendant found guilty of any one of them may receive a harsh

https: //lawshelf. com/videos/entry/homicide-crimes-murder https: //www. thoughtco. com/the-murder-of-bridgett-frisbie 972255

SUICIDE Suicide, the deliberate taking of one’s own life, was once considered a crime. Today courts often treat attempted suicide as a plea for help, requiring the person who attempted it to undergo a psychological examination and receive treatment, often in the form of counseling. Someone who helps another person commit suicide can be found guilty of the crime of murder or manslaughter. https: //people. com/crime/michelle-carter-trial-gallery-keymoments-conrad-roy-suicide/? slide=5780276#5780276

CRIMES AGAINST PROPERTY

CRIMES AGAINST PROPERTY The term “crimes against property” crimes in which property is destroyed, such as arson and vandalism, and crimes in which property is taken against the will of the owner, such as larceny. Crimes against property are not as serious as crimes against the person, but many of them can still carry heavy penalties.

https: //www. wpbf. com/article/kill-a-cop-save-a-life-graffitisuspect-arrested/25916591#

TYPES OF LARCENY - THEFT Pickpockets and Purse Snatchers Jewelry Theft Bicycle Theft Art Theft from Motor Vehicles Coins, Metals and Paper Money Mail Theft (federal) Agricultural Theft Retail Shrinkage (employees Fish and Wildlife Theft and shoplifting)

https: //miami. cbslocal. com/2019/11/18/two-suspectssought-in-botched-sweetwater-burglary/