Actus Reus vs. Mens Rea
This term means the “guilty act.”
What is actus reus?
Taking property without permission is called this.
What is theft?
These courts determine guilt or innocence.
What are trial courts?
This punishment removes offenders from society.
What is incarceration (jail/prison)?
A person accidentally takes someone else’s backpack thinking it’s theirs.
What is no mens rea (no crime)?
This refers to a person’s mental state or intent.
What is mens rea?
A criminal act involving the unlawful taking of property from another person through the use of force, violence, or the threat of force.
What is robbery?
These courts review legal errors.
What are appellate courts?
This allows offenders to remain in the community under supervision.
What is probation?
Someone shoplifts without using force.
What is theft?
True or False: A person can usually be convicted without mens rea.
What is: False?
True or False: A weapon is required for robbery.
What is: False? Robery involves a direct confrontation and intimidation of any kind.
True or False: Appellate courts hear new witnesses.
What is False?
This goal of punishment focuses on changing behavior.
What is rehabilitation?
A person threatens someone to take their phone.
What is robbery?
Name one type of mens rea.
What is: intent, knowledge, recklessness, OR negligence?
A criminal offense typically punishable by fines, probation, or up to 12 months in local jail.
What is a misdemeanor?
This is the main role of a jury.
What is to determine the facts and decide a verdict?
This goal aims to discourage future crimes.
What is deterrence?
A person commits a crime but claims they didn’t mean to. What element is being challenged?
What is mens rea?
Explain why both actus reus and mens rea are needed for most crimes.
What is: A crime requires both a physical act and a guilty mind to prove responsibility?
A crime, typically one involving violence, usually punishable by imprisonment for more than one year or by death.
What is a felony?
Explain one reason a case might be appealed.
What is: legal error, unfair trial, improper procedure, etc.?
Name one alternative program a judge might assign instead of jail AND how it helps.
What is counseling, community service, job training, mental health court, drug court, etc., with explanation?
A bully threatens someone to steal another kid's money but has no weapon. Defense says theft; prosecution says robbery. Who is correct and why?
What is: prosecution, because intimidation = robbery?