Types of crime
What is a felony?
This type of crime is more serious and usually carries heavier penalties.
What is actus reus?
The physical act of committing a crime.
What is self-defense?
Justification for using force to protect oneself from harm.
What is probable cause?
The reasonable belief that a crime has been committed, necessary for police to make an arrest
what is probation?
A court-ordered period of supervision in the community instead of serving time in prison.
What is a misdemeanor?
A less serious crime, often punishable by fines or short jail time.
What is mens rea?
The mental state or intent behind committing a crime.
What is insanity?
A legal defense claiming the defendant was not mentally competent at the time of the crime.
What is due process?
The legal requirement that the state must respect all legal rights owed to a person.
What is community service
A court-ordered program requiring the offender to perform a certain number of hours of unpaid work.
What is a summary offense
This offense is typically minor and may result in a fine or other non-custodial punishment.
What is causation?
The relationship between the act and the result, showing that the act led to the harm.
What is duress?
A defense claiming the defendant was forced to commit a crime under threat of harm.
What is an arraignment?
The court proceeding where a defendant is formally charged with a crime.
What is community service?
The act of confining a person in jail or prison as a penalty for a crime.
What is a white-collar crime?
Non-violent crimes committed for financial gain, often involving deceit.
What is concurrence?
The requirement that the act and the intent occur together.
What is entrapment?
A defense arguing that law enforcement induced the defendant to commit a crime they would not have otherwise committed.
What is a plea bargain?
An agreement between the defendant and prosecutor to resolve a case without going to trial.
What is a fine?
A monetary penalty imposed on a convicted offender.
What is a violent crime?
Crimes that cause physical harm to individuals.
What is harm?
The damage or injury caused by the criminal act.
What is necessity?
A defense claiming that the defendant acted to prevent a greater harm.
What is double jeopardy?
The legal principle that prohibits an individual from being tried for the same crime twice.
What is capital punishment?
The death penalty as a punishment for certain crimes.