Evolution of an Offence Flashcards
Conspires to Commit Offence - Act and section
Crimes Act 1961 Section 310
Conspires to Commit Offence - Ingredients
Crimes Act 1961 Section 310
- Two or more people
- Make an agreement
- to commit an offence
- With an intent to commit the offence at the time of the agreement
Spouse/partner liable: Conspiracy? Attempts? Parties? Accessory?
Conspiracy - Partners and spouses can be charged with all of the above. The law preventing that was repealed.
R V MULCAHY
A conspiracy consists not merely in the intention of two or more, but in the agreement of two or more to do an unlawful act, or to do a lawful act by unlawful means. So long as such a deign rests in intention only it is not indictable. When two agree to carry it (the intended offence) into effect, the very plot is an act in itself.
The offence of committing ‘conspiracy’ is complete once the agreement has taken place
Are you liable if you withdraw from the agreement?
Yes, you are a still guilty of conspiracy. Offence complete (Actus Reus and Mens Rea) at time of agreement.
Parties to an Offence - Ingredients - 66(1)
Crimes Act 1961 Section 66(1)
a) Actually commits the offence
b) Does or omits an act for the purpose of aiding any person to commit the offence
c) Abets any person in the commission of the offence
d) Incites Counsels, or procures any person to commit the offence
Parties to an Offence
Crimes Act 1961 Section 66(2)
Two or more persons form a common intention to prosecute any unlawful purpose and to assist each other therein. Each of them is a party to every offence committed by any one of them in the prosecution of the common purpose if the commission of that offence was known to be a probable consequence of the prosecution of the common purpose.
When does participation in an offence constitute parties to?
Before or during the commission of the offence. Assistance after is Accessory after the fact.
R V RENATA
Unable to prove which offender dealt the final lethal blow, all three are convicted if prosecution can prove culpability through mens rea and actus reus. Principal offender not required.
Define Aid
To assist either physically or by giving advice and information. Does not need to be present. (lookout, give tools, advise when victim leaves)
Define Abets
To instigate or encourage, to urge another person. Does not need to be present. Mere presence is not enough except in special relationship or legal duty or owed to victim or general public.
R V RUSSELL
Following an argument between husband and wife, she jumped into pool with children drowning them all. Husband charged with murder after he failed to assist. His presence, with relationship considered is deemed approval of actions.
Define Incites
To rouse, stir up, stimulate, animate, urge or spur on another person. (sports event)
Define Counsels
To intentionally instigate, advising a person on how best to commit an offence, planning the commission of an offence for another. Specific details of offence not required. (Letter how to blow up safe).
Define Procures
Setting out that something happens and taking the appropriate steps to ensure that it does happen. Strong connection to offence required. (Use of hitman).