Criminal Law Basics
What is criminal conduct?
A criminal act triggered by criminal intent
What does mens rea mean?
Guilty mind or criminal intent
What is a justification defense?
The act was right under the circumstances
What is the imminence requirement?
The danger must be immediate
What is voluntary consent?
Consent given freely without force or coercion
What is an affirmative defense?
A defense where the defendant must present evidence supporting the defense
What is concurrence?
When the criminal act and criminal intent occur at the same time
What is an excuse defense?
The act was wrong but the defendant is not responsible
What is the retreat rule?
A duty to retreat if safely possible
What is knowing consent?
Consent given with understanding
What is a perfect defense?
A defense that results in acquittal if successful
Which crime element refers to the act itself?
Actus reus
Is self-defense a justification or excuse?
Justification
What is stand-your-ground?
No duty to retreat if lawfully present
What is authorized consent?
Consent given by someone with legal authority
What is an imperfect defense?
A defense that reduces the severity of the offense but does not excuse guilt
What happens if mens rea is missing?
The defendant may not be criminally liable
Is insanity a justification or excuse?
Excuse
What is the castle exception?
No duty to retreat in one’s home
What is the necessity defense?
A crime committed to prevent greater harm
What are mitigating circumstances?
Factors that reduce punishment but do not eliminate guilt
What does mens rea refer to in criminal law?
The defendant’s guilty mind or criminal intent
Which defense admits the act but denies responsibility?
Excuse defense
What is the withdrawal exception?
Initial aggressor may regain self-defense if they withdraw
What is the choice-of-evils defense?
Choosing a lesser crime to avoid greater harm