chapter 6-7 (definitions) Flashcards
What is Actus Reus?
The physical act or conduct that constitutes a criminal offense.
Actus Reus is a fundamental component of criminal law, representing the external element of a crime.
What does Mens Rea refer to?
The mental state or intent of the defendant at the time of committing the actus reus, usually required for criminal liability.
Mens Rea is crucial in determining the culpability of an individual in criminal cases.
Define Connaissance.
Knowledge or awareness, often related to a person’s understanding of facts or circumstances.
This term is significant in legal contexts where knowledge affects liability.
What does Mobile/Motif refer to?
Referring he reason or underlying cause that drives a person to take a particular action, especially in the context of committing a crime. It explains why someone did something.
Motive elements can be crucial in crime scene investigations.
What is Intention spécifique?
The specific intent or purpose to achieve a particular result, often used in distinguishing between types of criminal intent.
Understanding specific intent is vital for classifying crimes.
What is meant by Intention générale?
A general intent to perform an act that is prohibited by law, without necessarily aiming for a specific result.
General intent is often sufficient for liability in many offenses.
What is a Scène de crime?
The location or site where a crime was committed, which is often preserved for investigation.
Securing the crime scene is critical for the integrity of the investigation.
What do Zones - Le centre - le périmètre refer to in a crime scene?
The core (centre) and outer boundary (périmètre) areas defined in a crime scene for securing and investigating.
Proper delineation of these zones aids in effective investigation.
What does Témérité mean?
Recklessness or a disregard for the foreseeable risks of one’s actions.
Témérité can lead to criminal liability in certain cases.
Define Crime.
A wrongful act punishable by law, typically involving harm or injury to others or society.
The definition of crime varies by jurisdiction.
What is Contamination in the context of a crime scene?
The introduction of unintended evidence or material into a crime scene or evidence, compromising its integrity.
Contamination can severely hinder investigations and lead to wrongful conclusions.
What are Empreintes digitales?
Fingerprints, unique impressions left by the ridges of a person’s fingers, used for identification purposes.
Fingerprints are a common method of forensic identification.
What are Empreintes latentes?
Latent fingerprints, which are not visible to the naked eye and must be developed or enhanced to be seen.
Latent prints are crucial in forensic investigations as they can link a suspect to a crime.
What is Un mandat de perquisition?
A search warrant, a legal document authorizing law enforcement to search a specific place for evidence.
A search warrant is essential for lawful searches under the Fourth Amendment.
What does La chaîne de possession refer to?
The chain of custody, a process used to document the handling, transfer, and storage of evidence to maintain its integrity.
Maintaining the chain of custody is vital for the admissibility of evidence in court.
