VI. Mens Rea

Question 1

What are the four mental states that apply to murder in the Common Law?

Answer 1

(1) Intent to kill a human being; OR
(2) Intent to inflict grievous bodily injury on another; OR
(3) A knowing and intentional creation of an unjustifiable risk to human life (“depraved heart murder); OR
(4) Intent to commit a felony (felony murder)

Question 2

Intentional killings can result in which of 2 charges?

Answer 2

Murder or voluntary manslaughter