Fundamental and General Principles Flashcards
the branch of public substantive law which defines crimes, treats of their nature, and provides for their punishment
criminal law
define criminal law
That branch of public substantive law which defines crimes, treats of their nature, and provides for their punishment
an act committed or omitted in violation of a public law forbidding or commanding it.
It a generic term used to refer to a wrongdoing punished by either the RPC or a special law. [Ortega]
crime
define crime
an act committed or omitted in violation of a public law forbidding or commanding it
what are felonies
crimes punished by the RPX
what are offenses
crimes punished under special law
what is the difference bet felonies and offenses?
Felonies are crimes punished under the RPC, while offenses are crimes punished under the special law.
Does the Philippine have common law crimes?
NO.
There is no crime when there is no law punishing the same.
nullum crimen nulla poena sine lege
what are the sources of criminal law?
- the Revised Penal Code
- Special Penal Laws
- Penal Presidential Decrees issued during Martial Law
What is Act NO. 3815?
The Revised Penal Code
January 1, 1932
Differentiate mala in se and mala prohibita as to their nature
mala in se - A crime or an act that is inherently immoral, such as murder, arson or rape.
mala prohibita - An act that is a crime merely because it is prohibited by statute, although the act itself is not necessarily immoral.
can good faith be use as defense in crimes that are mala in se
yes, good faith is a valid defense unless the crime is the result of culpa
is good faith a defense in crimes that are mala prohibita?
no, the act alone irrespective of the intent consititutes the offense
what is the difference between mala in se and mala prohibita as to criminal intent as an element?
mala in se - Criminal intent is an element.
mala prohibita - Criminal intent is immaterial, BUT still requires intelligence & voluntariness
Is degree of accomplisment taken into account in mala prohibita crimes?
NO.
The act gives rise to a crime only when consummated.
In mala in se crimes - degree of accomplishment is taken into account for the punishment.
Are mitigating and aggravating circumstances taken into account for the punishment of mala prohibita crimes?
NO.
Taken into account only in mala in se crimes.
What is the difference bet. mala in se and mala prohibita crimes as to the degree of participation of the offender?
In Mala in Se - When there is more than one offender, the degree of participation of each in commission is taken into account.
In Mala Prohibita- Degree of participation is generally not taken into account. All of who participated in the act are punished to the same extent
What are the three stages of execution in mala in se crimes?
attempted, frustrated, & consumated
Are there stages of execution in mala prohibita crimes?
NO.
Which persons are criminally liable in mala in se crimes?
The principal, accomplice, & accessory
Penalty is computed on the basis of whether he is a principal offender or merely and accomplice or accessory
Which persons are criminally liable in mala prohibita crimes?
Generally, only the principal is liable.
Penalty of offenders is same whether they acted as mere accomplices or accessories
Is there division of penalties in mala prohibita crimes?
NO
Penalties may be divided into degrees and periods only in mala in se crimes
Is dolo required in crimes mala prohibita?
NO
the act alone irrespective of the intent constitutes the offense
Good faith and absence of criminal intent are not valide defenses in crimes mala prohibita.
What is the general rule as to the suppletory application of RPC to Special Laws?
General Rule: RPC provisions supplement the provisions of Special laws (RPC art 10)
The Revised Penal Code supplies what is lacking in special laws.