Requirement of Harm Flashcards
Harm
Loss of value to a person or society
Types of Harm
(1) Actual; or
(2) Potential
Acts That Do Not Cause Harm
(1) Consensual Acts [that take place in private]
(3) Status
MPC § 2.01: Involuntary Acts
(1) a reflex or convulsion;
(2) a bodily movement during unconsciousness or sleep;
(3) conduct during hypnosis or resulting from hypnotic suggestion; or
(4) a bodily movement that otherwise is not a product of the effort or determination of the actor, either conscious or habitual
The Legality Doctrine
Forbids Ex Post Facto Laws
The Exception to the Legality Doctrine
(1) Retroactive application by the judiciary,
(2) of a change in the common law of crimes,
(3) that does not violate the Ex Post Facto or Due Process Clauses,
(4) unless the application is unexpected and indefensible
Specificity
Statutes Must Be…
(1) Described prohibited conduct w/sufficient specificity;
(2) Adequately inform/notify ordinary citizen of the prohibited conduct;
(3) Not allow for discriminatory enforcement; and
(4) Be of prospective application
Note: statutes that are too vague are unconstitutional