Basics of Criminal Law
A crime is considered a wrong against who?
Society
A crime punishable by 1 year or more is called what?
Felony
The physical act of a crime is called what?
Actus reus
What defense claims the defendant did not commit the act?
Alibi
What is the burden of proof in criminal cases?
Beyond a reasonable doubt
What theory says people commit crimes after weighing risks and rewards?
Deterrence theory
Crimes that are wrong by law but not inherently evil are called what?
Malum prohibitum
The mental intent to commit a crime is called what?
Mens rea
What defense is used when someone commits a crime because they were threatened or pressured?
What is the main job of a jury in a criminal trial?
To decide if the defendant is guilty or not
What is the main goal of criminal law?
To keep order in society and punish wrongdoing
What are crimes called that are considered wrong by nature?
Malum in se
What must be shown between a person’s actions and the result for them to be held responsible?
Causation
What defense is used when someone cannot understand their actions due to a mental condition?
Insanity
What is a precedent in the legal system?
A past court decision used to decide on future cases
What is it called when offenders are punished for what they’ve already done?
Retribution
What do you call less serious crimes that usually result in less than a year in jail?
Misdemeanors
What is it called when a person’s intent and their action happen at the same time?
Concurrence
What defense is used when someone acts to protect themselves from harm?
Self defense
What is the prosecutor responsible for in a criminal case?
Proving the defendant is guilty
What is the Model Penal Code used for?
To help guide and standardize criminal laws
What category do minor offenses like traffic violations fall under?
Infractions
What happens if one required element of a crime is missing?
The person cannot be found guilty
What defense is used when someone proves they were somewhere else when the crime happened?
Alibi
What does due process mean?
The right to fair treatment under the law