Elements of a Crime
A guilty act
Actus Reus
Intent to bring about a specific result
Specific Intent
Unlawful killing of another human being
Homicide
Person who actually commits the crime
Principal
Defendant was not present at the scene
Alibi
A guilty mind
Mens Rea
Only intent to perform the act
General Intent
Killing with premeditation and deliberation
First-Degree Murder
Helps or encourages before or during the crime
Accomplice
Crime committed to avoid greater harm
Necessity
The act must cause the harm
Causation
Act done with extreme disregard for human life
Recklessness
Intentional killing without premeditation
Second-Degree Murder
Helps after the crime
Accessory After the Fact
Defendant reasonably believed force was needed to prevent harm
Self-Defense
A voluntary act is required for criminal liability
Voluntariness Requirement
Failure to be aware of a substantial risk
Negligence
Killing in the heat of passion after adequate provocation
Voluntary Manslaughter
Agreement between two or more people to commit a crime
Conspiracy
Defendant lacked mental capacity to understand actions
Insanity Defense
Crimes requiring only the act, no intent
Strict Liability Crimes
Intent transferred from intended victim to actual victim
Transferred Intent
Unintentional killing due to reckless behavior
Involuntary Manslaughter
Taking a substantial step toward committing a crime
Attempt
Government induced the defendant to commit the crime
Entrapment