Flashcards: Legal Responsibility and Rights — 23 cards

Felony murder rule — definition?

Liability for deaths during a felony, regardless of intent.

Mens rea — role?

Mental state required for traditional homicide charges.

Major felony murder case example?

Ryan Holle case, highlighting fairness debates.

Punitive damages — purpose?

Punish egregious misconduct and deter future violations.

Key issue in punitive damages?

Balancing punishment with constitutional limits.

Freedom of speech — constitutional basis?

First Amendment guarantees free speech.

Protected speech examples?

Political speech, opinions, beliefs.

Unprotected speech examples?

Incitement, defamation, obscenity.

Gun control — constitutional basis?

Second Amendment right to bear arms.

Important gun case law?

Heller (2008) affirmed individual gun rights.

US vs European hate speech approach?

US protects more, Europe restricts more.

US vs European gun control?

US has higher ownership, more permissive laws.

Judicial selection in US?

Judges elected or appointed, varies by level.

Punitive damages — constitutional limit?

Limited by Due Process, proportionality.

First Amendment protected speech?

Political, opinions, beliefs, with narrow exceptions.

Key Supreme Court doctrine?

Imminent lawless action test for incitement.

Second Amendment — protected right?

Yes, for individual firearm ownership.

US gun regulation level?

Varies by state; background checks common.

European gun laws?

Stricter, lower gun ownership, less violence.

Felony murder — application?

Liability without intent, broad participant scope.

Punitive damages — key regulation?

Must respect due process, proportionality.

Speech categories — highest protection?

Political speech, even if offensive.

Hate speech in US?

Generally protected unless inciting violence.