Midterm cases

Question 1

People v. Watson

Answer 1

Mens rea; A finding of gross negligence is made by applying by objective test: if a reasonable person is defendant’s position would have been aware of the risk involved, defendant is presumed to have had such an awareness. Watson acted recklessly because he was aware that he had to leave.

Question 2

Miller v. Commonwealth

Answer 2

Mistake of law is only a defense where the defendant establishes the legal sufficiency of the content and source of the information received, and where the information upon which the defendant relied is an affirmative assurance that the conduct giving rise to the conviction is lawful.

Question 3

People v. Snyder

Answer 3

Mistakes of law; If a person accused of a crime could shield himself behind the defense that he was ignorant of the law which he violated, immunity from punishment would in most cases result.

Question 4

Estrada v. State

Answer 4

accomplice liability, intentional act theory; An accomplice acts with the purpose to promote or to facilitate the commission of a crime.

Question 5

Hampton v. State

Answer 5

Accomplice liability, crimes part of the common criminal design; A defendant can be found guilty of a crime that was the natural and probable consequence of the crime that the defendant did intend to assist. Knowledge of P1’s intent may be established either by direct or circumstantial evidence from which knowledge of the intent may be inferred.