Unit 1 AOS 2 Flashcards
What is ‘actus reas’
An element of a crime that refers to the guilty act committed
What is ‘mens rea’
An element of a crime that refers to a guilty mind
How does criminal law promote social cohesion?
it defines and prohibits the types of behaviours that are unacceptable (crimes) and outlines the consequences (sanctions) for people who commit these behaviours.
What is a crime?
a crime is an act or omission that is against an existing law, harmful to individuals or punishable by law?
Purposes of criminal law
protect individuals, protect society, promote justice, protect property
relevant crimes to protect individuals
murder, manslaughter, rape, arson
relevant crimes to protect property
trespassing, theft, intellectual property
relevant crimes to protect society
drug offences, terrorism
how does criminal law promote justice
Having the state enforce criminal law helps prevent victims of a crime, and their family and friends, from taking the law into their own hands and imposing their own punishment
how does criminal law protect individuals?
by establishing crimes and processes to deal with people who commit these crimes
how does criminal law protect property?
Criminal law protects privately owned and public property. This includes protecting land and the environment, and personal property
How does criminal law protect society
protects the community as a whole by setting standards and making it clear what behaviour is not tolerated by the community and the legal system
what is the presumption of innocence
The right of the accused to be presumed not guilty unless proven otherwise
they’re innocent until proven guilty beyond reasonable doubt
What is standard of proof?
To prove someone is guilty beyond reasonable doubt is the standard of proof.
So, for the accused to be found guilty, this standard must be met (or surpassed)
what is the burden of proof?
It is the Prosecutions responsibility to prove that the accused is guilty beyond reasonable doubt
The Prosecution holds the burden of proof
elements of a crime
actus reas, mens rea
what is strict liability?
a strict liability crime is one where the Prosecution does not need to prove that the accused had mens rea they only need to prove the act or omission committed (actus reas)
example of strict liability crimes
speeding fines, parking tickets, drink driving
what is the ‘age of criminal responsibility’?
the minimum age a person must be in order to be charged with committing a crime
why is there an age of criminal responsibility?
There is a minimum age as some people are considered too young to form the intention to commit a crime
what is the minimum age of criminal responsibility
under 10 years old
can children aged 10-13 be charged with a crime?
they can be charged if the Prosecution can prove against doli incapax and knew that their actions were wrong
what is doli incapax
doli incapax means that no child in the age of 10-13 and under can not form a mens rea and know hwat they are doing is wrong
what is a crime classified as division A
crimes against the person eg. murder, rape,
what is a crime classified as division B
crimes against property eg. arson, breaking and entering, theft