Intro to Law (MID TERM REVEW) Flashcards
Define Criminal Law
Criminal Law is a system of laws concerned with crimes and the punishments of individuals who commit a crime.
What are some reasons we punish crime?
Some reasons we punish crime is to create a law and order
What are Three Strikes Laws?
The three strike law is that after a crime you get a strike and after the third strike you get sentenced to prison, possibly for a certain amount of time or for life
Define Actus Reas
The guilty act
Define Mens Rea
The guilty mind
Define Corpus Delicti
the elements of a crime that must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt to secure a conviction. involves both Men’s Rea, and the Actus Rea.
What is a crime of omission?
When someone knows of the crime but does nothing to act upon it, sits idly and watches
What is a good samaritan law?
legal provision that protects individuals from legal liability when they voluntarily provide help to those who are injured or in danger.
Crimes against the person
Battery and Assault
Crimes against property
Burglary, robbery, and Embezzlement
Crimes against the government
treason
Principal
The main person who commits the crime
Accomplice
The one who helps the main person to commit the crime (Helper during a robbery)
Accessory before/after the fact
Assisting the preparation to commit the crime, normally before or after the crime is committed. (Driving the getaway car)
Felony
Going to jail for a long period of time(more than a year)
Misdemeanor
Going to jail for a less amount of time (less than a year)
First Degree Murder
Planned killing, and going through with it
Second Degree Murder
intentional killing but not with much planning
Voluntary Manslaughter
killing with intention but acting on strong emotions
Involuntary Manslaughter
unintentional killing that results from reckless or criminally negligent conduct.
Negligent homicide
Accidental cause of death because of not enough attention and care
Assault
is the threat or attempt to cause someone physical harm
Battery
involves the actual physical contact and harm.
Aggravated Assault:
Threatening with a weapon
Robbery
Stealing with a force of threats(face to face)
Burglary
Breaking in and entering
Larceny
Stealing of personal property
Embezzlement
Misusing money that was entrusted to you for personal gain
Fraud
Tricking someone for personal gain
Extortion
Obtaining valuable items through threats
Arson
Purposely setting a house on fire
Treason
Crimes against the whole country
What is the burden of proof in a criminal case?
The prosecution must prove that the defendant is guilty beyond a reasonable doubt
What is a necessity defense?
Breaking the law to prevent bigger harm
What is a duress defense?
Commiting a crime because you fear for your safety or your safety is endangered.
What is an entrapment defense?
Tricked by law enforcement to commit a crime.
What is a mistake of fact defense?
Claiming you didn’t know or understand what you were doing
What is self-defense?
Using force to protect yourself
What are the rules for deadly force?
Only using lethal force only when you are in bodily harm, or believe to be in danger
What is the insanity defense?
Saying you are mentally ill during the time of the crime
What is the M’Naghten rule?
A standard rule to test for insanity, didn’t understand the act or does not find it morally wrong.
What rights are included in the 1st amendment
Freedom of Speech, Freedom of Assembly, Freedom of Press, Freedom of Religion.
What is selective incorporation?
certain parts of the bill of rights apply to state governments, not just the federal government. This was necessary to ensure the people’s rights are protected consistently across the United states.
What rights are included with freedom of speech?
Freedom of speech includes the rights to say, write or express your thoughts and opinions without fear of government punishment, however there are limits to this rights like you can’t use speech to cause harm or violence to others