Chapter 4 Terms Flashcards
an object within an individual’s immediate physcial control or on their person
actual possession
a criminal act, the physical or external component of a crime
actus reus
no legal duty to assist or to rescue an individual in danger
American bystander rule
the conditions or context required for a crime
attendant circumstances
an individual who retains legal possession over property that is not within his or her actual control
constructive possession
the legal obligation to act
duty to intervene
a rule in Europe imposing a legal duty on individuals to assist those in peril
European bystander rule
temporary dominion and control over an object; typically not considered possession for purposes of criminal liability
fleeting possession
legislation that exempts individuals from civil liabillity who assist individuals in peril
Good Samaritan statute
unconscious act or automatism
involuntary act
several individuals exercise dominion and control over an object
joint possession
individual awareness of criminal possession
knowing possession
the mental element of a crime
mens rea
unknowing possession
mere possession
failure to act or to intervene to assist another
omission
physical control over property with the ability to freely use and enjoy the property
possession
a crime that is a step toward an even more serious offense
preparatory offense
requires that the act cause a very specific harm and requires a specific intent
result crime
offense based on personal chracteristics or condition rather than conduct that constitutes cruel and unusual punishment
status offense
the individual is aware and fully conscious of acting. This is distinguished from an involuntary act, unconscious act, or automatism.
voluntary act
