Criminal Law Review

Key Terms

100

What is an inchoate crime?

A crime that involves taking steps toward another crime, even if the planned crime is not completed.

200

What is a principal?

The person who directly commits the crime.

300

_{What is an accomplice?}

Someone who intentionally helps or encourages another person to commit a crime.

400

What is an accessory after the fact?

Someone who knowingly helps an offender after the crime to help them avoid arrest or punishment.Mark complete and return to board

500

What does Parties to a crime mean, and who can it include?

Parties to a crime are the people involved in committing a crime, including principals who commit it and accomplices who intentionally help or encourage it.

Crime Elements

100

What are the three commonly taught elements of conspiracy?

An agreement to commit a crime, the required intent, and an overt act when required by the law.

200

What must a person intend to do to commit solicitation?

They must intend for another person to commit a crime and request, encourage, or command them to do it.

300

What is generally required for an attempt?

The intent to commit a specific crime and a substantial step toward committing it beyond mere preparation.

400

What must someone generally do to be an accomplice?

Intentionally aid, encourage, or assist in the crime with the required mental state.

500

What is the difference between the intent required for attempt and the intent required for conspiracy?

Attempt generally requires intent to commit the target crime and a substantial step toward it. Conspiracy generally requires an agreement and the intent to achieve the criminal objective.

Comparing Terms

100

What is the main difference between an accomplice and an accessory after the fact?

An accomplice helps before or during the crime; an accessory after the fact helps the offender after the crime.

200

How is conspiracy different from attempt?

Conspiracy centers on an agreement to commit a crime; attempt centers on taking a substantial step toward committing it.

300

How is solicitation different from conspiracy?

Solicitation involves asking or encouraging someone to commit a crime. Conspiracy generally requires an agreement between at least two people.

400

What is the difference between a principal and an accomplice?

A principal directly commits the crime, while an accomplice intentionally helps or encourages someone else to commit it.

500

Explain the difference between solicitation, conspiracy, and attempt.

Solicitation is asking or encouraging someone to commit a crime; conspiracy involves an agreement to commit a crime; attempt involves taking a substantial step toward committing the crime.

Scenarios

100

Alex asks Jordan to steal a car for Alex. What crime might Alex commit?

Solicitation, if Alex intends for Jordan to commit the theft and the other legal requirements are met.

200

Two people agree to rob a store and take a step to carry out their plan. What crime might apply?

Conspiracy, if the required agreement, intent, and any required overt act are established.

300

Taylor plans a burglary, buys supplies, and takes a substantial step toward breaking in, but is stopped. What crime might apply?

Attempted burglary, if the required intent and substantial step are established.

400

After a robbery, Sam hides the robber from police, knowing the robber committed the crime. What role might Sam have?

Accessory after the fact, if the legal requirements are met.

500

Jamie agrees to help rob a store, helps plan it, but backs out before the robbery. What crimes might Jamie still be responsible for?

Jamie might still be liable for conspiracy if it was already established. Whether Jamie is liable for other crimes depends on Jamie's actions and the applicable law. Simply backing out does not automatically erase liability.