The Nature of Crime Flashcards
Define Crime
a crime is an act/ omission harmful to the public and punishable by the state
outline what i an act of omission
Act of omission= the accused did a criminal act or failed to act (omission) when they should have acted
Element to crime (4)
- Act/ omission
- Injurious to public
- Punishable by State
- In proceedings brought in the name of the state
Outline the importance of the Crimes Act 1900 (NSW)
This is the main act that codifies criminal law in NSW
- Details most series crimes and their penalties; including the standard of proof required and any available defences (where codified).
- This act is amended when the law changes to adapt to changing social and technological influences
Outline the importance of the Summary Offences Act 1988 (NSW)
Thie is tehmain act that details minor summary offences in NSW. It is amended over time to reflect changing social values
Outline rimes Act 1914 (Cth)
This is the original fed. law that codified commonwealth criminal laws and policing procedures for cloth matters
- it also incorporates rules on managing evidence and sentencing
Outline Criminal Code Act 1995 (Cth)
Main cloth act that codifies crime law in AUST at a fed. level Several state jurisdictions have also passed this code in an effort to unify state criminal laws
1.1.5 Identify 2 probs arising with respect to inconsistencies in criminal laws between state and territories
- Inconsistencies in criminal laws between states present 2 key probe: inequity and uncertainty
- Inequities: may develop when some states/ territories have laws benefiting residents that other jurisdictions do not
- The industrial manslaughter laws in the Act for e.g.. are unique in Aust.
- Uncertainty develops if citizens are unaware / unsure of how laws differ between states which amy inhibit their behaviour without cause or result in the unknowing commission of cirmes
Why are criminal laws written into statute/
So that they are codified in writing, punishable and easel communicated. law- publicly available and predictable, certain and known
Distinguish between statute law and common law as sources of criminal law in Australia
- Statute law is determined by Parliament and tends to codify acts/ omissions
- Common law is derived from couts and its main contribution to criminal law is defence to crime
Identify 2 elements of cirme
Mens Rea and Actus Rea
With ref. to MR: outline Intention
The mental element of the crime . Person must act wilfully and be aware of action
With Ref to MR; Outline Negligence
A person with a duty of care to another breaches the duty, causing injury
With ref. tp MR ; outline Reckless/ Reckless indifference
Person acts in a certain way indifferent to the potential injury of others, knowing the risks associated with their behaviour
Explain the conduct of Actus reuse: with ref to
- Intentional Act
- Involuntary Act (automatism)
- Intentional: the act or omission is voluntary, wilful or intended and is therefore a guilty act
- Involuntary (automatism): the act is unintentional and involuntary and therefore cannot be guilty act
1.2.4 Describe hoe MR may be deduced from AR with reference to two eg’s
The nature of the offending act may suggest necessary mental element .
Define Strict Liability
The offending act is proof of the offence itself
Explain what a regulatory offences are
offences that are codified in statute law and thus listed in regulations
1.4.1 Outline meaning of Causation
The causal link between the act or omission and the resultant injury / harm. the injury must occur within a year and day of the act or omission in order to satisy the causation rule
Notion of causation in R v Royall
A woman subject to a very violent attack by her ex- bf , either jumped, was pushed or fell from the 3rd floor bathroom window.
- the accused claims he was not guilty and stated that the victim ahd fallen
- The court held otherwise on the ground that the victim had been subject to a very high level of violence and would have died regardless
- The operating substantial cause of her death was the actions of the accused
Notion of Causation in Blau v R
- Victim stabbed by accused, then refused blood transfusion on account of her religious convictions
- the blood transfusion would have saved her life
- The court held that refusing the bloods transfusion was not a novas acts interveniens because ‘ but for’ the stabbing , the victim would have not had to make the decision and would have not have died
1.5.1. List 7 categories of crime
- Offences against the person
- OA the Soverign
- Economic offences (property, white collar and comp crimes)
- Drug offences
- public order offences
- Preliminary crimes (attempts and conspiracy
Explain how offences against a persons may vary from very minor to serious
Offences against person may range from minor such as verbal threats or minor assault and battery
2. to very serious crimes, such as sexual assaults or homicides (including murder or manslaughter)
Distinguish from of H; Murder
a wilful and intentional killing of a person