Chapter 4 Terms

Question 1

an object within an individual’s immediate physcial control or on their person

Answer 1

actual possession

Question 2

a criminal act, the physical or external component of a crime

Answer 2

actus reus

Question 3

no legal duty to assist or to rescue an individual in danger

Answer 3

American bystander rule

Question 4

the conditions or context required for a crime

Answer 4

attendant circumstances

Question 5

an individual who retains legal possession over property that is not within his or her actual control

Answer 5

constructive possession

Question 6

the legal obligation to act

Answer 6

duty to intervene

Question 7

a rule in Europe imposing a legal duty on individuals to assist those in peril

Answer 7

European bystander rule

Question 8

temporary dominion and control over an object; typically not considered possession for purposes of criminal liability

Answer 8

fleeting possession

Question 9

legislation that exempts individuals from civil liabillity who assist individuals in peril

Answer 9

Good Samaritan statute

Question 10

unconscious act or automatism

Answer 10

involuntary act

Question 11

several individuals exercise dominion and control over an object

Answer 11

joint possession

Question 12

individual awareness of criminal possession

Answer 12

knowing possession

Question 13

the mental element of a crime

Answer 13

mens rea

Question 14

unknowing possession

Answer 14

mere possession

Question 15

failure to act or to intervene to assist another

Answer 15

omission

Question 16

physical control over property with the ability to freely use and enjoy the property

Answer 16

possession

Question 17

a crime that is a step toward an even more serious offense

Answer 17

preparatory offense

Question 18

requires that the act cause a very specific harm and requires a specific intent

Answer 18

result crime

Question 19

offense based on personal chracteristics or condition rather than conduct that constitutes cruel and unusual punishment

Answer 19

status offense

Question 20

the individual is aware and fully conscious of acting. This is distinguished from an involuntary act, unconscious act, or automatism.

Answer 20

voluntary act