Crim Add-ons Flashcards
Does underlying offense of felony murder usually merge into felony murder charge?
YES
If burglar fails to complete felony, is he guilty of attempting that felony
YES, guilty of burglary + attempted xyz
Common law conspiracy vs. MPC conspiracy
CL: two guilty minds
MPC: one guilty mind + overt act
Is factual impossibility a defense?
NO, never a defense to attempt
(e.g. tried to poison someone and didn’t realize you used cilantro)
Under CL, are children 7-14 capable of committing crimes?
Yes, REBUTTABLY PRESUMED capable of committing crimes
If a person says “I’m not scared” while assault occurs, does this impact charge?
Yes, if indicates that person was in no fear of imminent harm , could negate assault charge
CL: if co-conspirators tried together and one acquitted on conspiracy, can other be guilty?
CL: NO, if at same trial, CANNOT convict one person of conspiracy if others acquitted at same trial
Under MPC, if no default mens rea, what do you read in?
RECKLESSNESS (conscious disregard of substantial/unjustifiable risk)
When can reliance on attorney advice provide a defense
Usually, not a mistake of law defense UNLESS negates required mental state for crime
Can you abandon an attempt after taking a substantial step?
NO, too late
In burglary, can ‘breaking’ element occur if guest enters room in home where they do not have permission?
YES, even if they have been invited into home
When may deadly force not be used in one’s own dwelling?
when intruder is in process of EXITING
What burden of proof is required for affirmative defenses (self-defense, insanity, etc.)
Any burden acceptable. Legislature decides
Forgery vs. false pretenses
Forgery = making false instrument of LEGAL significance
False pretenses = making false instrument of SOCIAL (historical, art, pop culture) significance
Does lawfully entering but then breaking to EXIT a dwelling count as burglary?
No, the breaking must occur when ENTERING a dwelling to create OPENING
Is assault a lesser included offense of robbery?
YES
When can therapist warn third parties of risk?
When patient makes credible threat of physical violence against ascertainable victim OR notify law enforcement, take other steps
Threat need NOT be imminent
Is mistaken belief of owning property a defense to larceny?
YES, can negate required intent
What standard of proof is required for affirmative defenses?
Affirmative defense = justifies/excuses criminal conduct, so burden NOT automatically on prosecution (who must bear burden for all ELEMENTS of crime)
State chooses which party bears burden, and can choose any standard of proof
Fraud in factum vs. fraud in inducement for sexual assault
Fraud in factum: negates consent bc victim unaware of consent
Fraud in inducement: does not negate consent bc victim aware he provided consent
Does MPC recognize larceny, embezzlement, and false pretenses?
NO, all treated as single statutory crime of THEFT
But all of these crimes are recognized in common law jurisdictions
If a statute is violated giving rise to negligence per se, are there any ways in which the violation could be reasonable?
Yes, if defendant was disabled, physically incapacitated, or a child
Under MPC, if MR is identified for one element of the crime, does it apply to other elements?
YES applies to other material elements unless there is a clear contrary purpose
Involuntary manslaughter vs. depraved heart murder MR standard
Involuntary manslaughter: Negligence (lack of care, maybe someone will get killed)
Depraved heart murder: Recklessness (would be shocking if someone didn’t get killed)