Crimes Against a Person
In Pennsylvania, this crime involves intentionally causing bodily injury to another person.
simple assault
Intentionally setting fire to, burning, or aiding in the burning of property of another or your own property with the intent to defraud
arson
This defense involves the use of reasonable force to protect oneself from harm
self-defense
This group of citizens listens to evidence and decides the verdict in a trial
jury
Warnings police must give suspects in custody before interrogation, ensuring the right against self-incrimination and legal counsel
Miranda Rights
This more serious form of assault in Pennsylvania involves serious bodily injury or use of a deadly weapon
aggravated assault
Unlawfully taking, carrying, or exercising control over another’s property with the intent to permanently deprive them of it
larceny/theft
This defense argues the defendant did not understand the nature of their actions due to mental illness
insanity
This person provides sworn testimony in court based on what they saw, heard, or know about a case
witness
The legal standard requiring police to have reasonably trustworthy information and specific facts to believe a crime was committed before making arrests, conducting searches, or obtaining warrants
probable cause
A pattern of intentional, malicious, and repeated behavior—such as following, threatening, or contacting—that serves no legitimate purpose and causes a person severe alarm, annoyance, or fear of harm
harassment
Intentionally damaging, destroying, or tampering with property of another without consent
vandalism
This defense claims the defendant committed the act, but it was done to prevent greater harm
necessity
This person represents individuals accused of crimes in court
defense attorney
A criminal offense less serious than a felony but more severe than a summary offense, classified into three degrees based on severity in PA
misdemeanor
An intentional, willful, deliberate, and premeditated killing, or a killing committed by poison or lying in wait
first degree murder
This crime occurs when someone uses force, threats, or intimidation to take property directly from a person
robbery
This defense applies when a person is misled by law enforcement into committing a crime they would not have otherwise committed
entrapment
This person represents the government and brings criminal charges against a defendant
prosecutor
A legal document, or writ, issued by a judge or magistrate authorizing law enforcement to take specific actions, such as conducting a search, seizing property, or making an arrest
warrant
A legal, voluntary end-of-life option allowing terminally ill, mentally competent adults with less than six months to live to request lethal medication from their physician to peacefully end their lives
Death with Dignity/medical aid in dying
This crime involves entering a building or property unlawfully, even without intent to commit a further crime
(criminal) trespass
This defense claims the defendant was forced to commit a crime under threat of immediate harm or death
duress
This person manages a jail or prison and oversees inmates and staff
corrections officer/warden
This is the "supreme law of the land" in America, acting as the highest legal authority
U.S.Constitution