Introduction to Criminal Law Flashcards
1
Q
crime definition
A
conduct that is forbidden by the state and has a punishment
2
Q
crime changes over time
A
homosexuality illegal until Sexual Offences Act 1967
driving offences, now illegal to drive without a license
3
Q
who decides what is criminal?
A
criminal law set by gov in Acts of Parliament
CPS decides when and who to prosecute based on evidence and public interest test.
public interest test: the CPS ask ‘is it in the public interest’ to prosecute?
also, judges in case law
4
Q
Shaw v DPP (criminalisation of ‘conspiracy to corrupt public morals’)
A
