Criminal Law

Question 1

Meaning of criminal law

Answer 1

• committed an offence against the wellbeing of the community

Question 2

Types of offences – summary, indictable in criminal law

Answer 2

Offences are classified according to the seriousness of the offence.

Less serious criminal offences = Summary offences

• eg speeding, littering etc. They are usually heard in the Magistrates’ Court.

Indictable offences - - =serious criminal offences

• Heard before judge in county or supreme courts t Examples are armed robbery, culpable driving, rape and homicide

Question 3

Role of prosecution

Answer 3

People accused of committing a crime are considered to be innocent until proven guilty. try to prove the defendant guilty - guilty beyond reasonable doubt
.

Question 4

Actus reus and mens rea

Answer 4

.
have to prove the two points

Mens Rea - that the accused acted with a guilty mind or intention

Actus Reus - that the accused committed the guilty act