Flashcard: Fundamentals of Criminal Law — 16 carte

Crime — definition?

An act violating a criminal law enacted by public authority.

Legal elements — components?

Actus reus, mens rea, causation, voluntariness.

Actus reus — meaning?

The physical act or omission constituting a crime.

Mens Rea — role?

The mental state or intent accompanying the act.

Causation — purpose?

Links the defendant’s conduct to the harm caused.

Voluntariness — requirement?

Acts must be performed from free will.

Types of crime — examples?

Violent crimes, property crimes, statutory offenses.

Criminal penalties — forms?

Fines, imprisonment, or death.

Crime as offense?

An act against the state, punishable by law.

Actus reus — includes?

Acts or omissions that breach legal duties.

Mens Rea — includes?

Intent, knowledge, recklessness, negligence.

Causation — importance?

Establishes that conduct caused the injury.

Voluntariness — significance?

Ensures acts are performed with free will.

Involuntary acts — example?

Seizures, sleepwalking; not punishable.

Strict liability — characteristic?

Crimes that do not require mens rea.

Legal punishment — types?

Fines, imprisonment, death.