Criminal Law Flashcards
What are the elements of a crime?
Actus reus (action) plus Mens rea (intent)
What is a criminal offense?
An act harmful not only to some individual but also to a community, society or the province.
What is the case citation for a criminal offense?
R.v.Defendant
What is the difference between specific intent offenses and general intent offenses?
The basic difference between the two is that specific intent crimes require the individual who commits the crime to have a certain intent or purpose when the crime was committed, whereas general intent crimes do not.
What is absolute liability?
Absolute liability is a standard of legal liability found in tort and criminal law of various legal jurisdictions. To be convicted of an ordinary crime, in certain jurisdictions, a person must not only have committed a criminal action, but also have had a deliberate intention or guilty mind (mens rea).
What is strict liability?
In criminal law, strict liability is liability for which mens rea (Latin for “guilty mind”) does not have to be proven in relation to one or more elements comprising the actus reus (Latin for “guilty act”) although intention, recklessness or knowledge may be required in relation to other elements of the offense.
What is an indictable offense?
A severe or particularly serious criminal offense which has a corresponding severe punishment, and which proceeds by way of a formal court document called an indictment.
What is a hybrid offense?
A criminal offense that may be tried at the crowns option, as a summary conviction or an indictable offense.
What is a summary offense?
A minor offense that is tried immediately without a hearing or jury.
What is an arrest?
Legally detaining a person and charging them with a criminal offense.
What is detention?
The action of detaining someone or the state of being detained in official custody, especially as a political prisoner.
What is aiding?
Physical assistance to a crime.
What is abetting?
Encouraging at the crime.
What is an accessory?
Helping to hide/escape justice. Example, keeping someone in your home.
What is counselling?
Encouraging prior to the crime.
What is conspiracy?
Crime doesn’t happen but it is planned.