Unit 1

Question 1

Purposes of Criminal Law

Answer 1

1. Protect Individuals from Physical, psychological and economic harm
2. Protect society
3. Protect property
4. protect justice

Question 2

What is a Crime?

Answer 2

a crime is an act or omission that violates an existing law; causes harm to an individual or society and; is punishable by law

Question 3

Actus Reus

Answer 3

the ‘guilty act’; the physical element of the crime
-the prosecution must prove that the accused physically committed the wrongful action (or inaction)

Question 4

Mens Rea

Answer 4

The prosecution must prove the accused knowingly, intentionally, negligently or recklessly committed the wrongful action (or inaction).