Elements of a Crime
If even one element of a crime is missing, the prosecution cannot do this.
Prove the crime / secure a conviction
This mental state means a person meant for a specific result to happen.
Specific Intent
This type of murder is intentional and premeditated.
First-degree murder
The general definition of theft is taking property without this.
Permission / Consent
A hate crime is motivated by bias against a protected characteristic like this (name 3).
race / religion / gender / sexual orientation / disability
This element focuses on a person’s state of mind at the time of the crime.
Mens Rea
This mental state only requires awareness of actions, not the outcome.
General Intent
This type of murder is intentional but not premeditated.
Second-degree murder
This theft crime involves taking property directly from a person using force or threat.
Robbery
Lying under oath in court is known as this crime.
Perjury
This element requires that the criminal act and criminal intent occur together.
Concurrence of act and intent
This mental state involves failing to be aware of a substantial risk.
Criminal negligence
This crime involves killing in the “heat of passion.”
Voluntary manslaughter
This crime involves unlawfully entering a building with intent to commit a crime.
Burglary
This crime involves interfering with witnesses, jurors, or evidence.
Obstruction of justice
This element connects the defendant’s actions to the harm that occurred.
Causation
This type of crime does NOT require proof of intent.
Strict liability
This crime involves an unintentional killing caused by negligence or recklessness.
Involuntary manslaughter
This crime involves theft using a weapon.
Armed Robbery
Taking money from an employer over time when you were trusted with it is this crime.
Embezzlement
This element refers to the criminal act itself (Latin).
Actus Reus
Speeding through a school zone knowing kids are nearby best fits this mental state.
Strict liability
This degree allows someone to be charged with murder even if they did not intend to kill and will come with multiple charges.
Felony murder
This theft crime involves taking property without force and without entering a building.
Larceny
During a criminal trial, a defendant lies under oath and later destroys evidence related to that lie. Name both crimes committed.
perjury & obstruction of justice