General Principles of Criminal Law
Mens Rea and Intent
Homicide and Related Crimes
Property Crime
Defenses to Crimes
100

What are the two primary components needed for a criminal offense?

Jurisdiction and actus reus.

100

What does the term 'mens rea' refer to

A guilty mind or legally proscribed mental state that a defendant must possess to commit a crime.

100

What are the two main types of manslaughter?

Voluntary and involuntary manslaughter.

100

What is the definition of larceny

Taking the personal property of another without consent, intending to permanently deprive that person of the property.

100

What is a common law defense for specific intent crimes involving an honest mistake of fact?

Mistake of fact.

200

What is the term for a physical act in the world that is required for actus reus?

Actus reus.

200

Which type of intent involves acting with reckless disregard for a high risk of harm?

Malice crimes.

200

Define 'felony murder'.


A death that occurs during the commission or attempted commission of a dangerous felony.

200

What distinguishes embezzlement from larceny?

Embezzlement involves initially having lawful possession of the property.

200

What are the four tests used to determine insanity?


M’Naghten Test, Irresistible-Impulse Test, Durham Test, MPC Test

300

Name one of the conditions under which failure to act can constitute actus reus.

Statutory duty, contract, special relationship, detrimental undertaking, or causation.

300

What does 'FIAT' stand for in the context of specific intent crimes?

First Degree murder, Inchoate crimes (Conspiracy, Attempt, and Solicitation), Assault with intent to commit battery, Theft offenses.

300

What distinguishes first-degree murder from common law murder

First-degree murder requires premeditation and deliberation

300

Define 'false pretenses'.

Obtaining title to property of another by deception or misrepresentation of a material fact.

300

What is the difference between voluntary and involuntary intoxication as defenses?

Voluntary intoxication can be a defense only to specific intent crimes if it prevents forming mens rea; involuntary intoxication can be a defense to general, specific intent, and malice crimes.

400

What type of crimes require no state of mind to be proven?

Strict liability crimes.

400

Define 'transferred intent' in criminal law.

When a defendant intends to harm one person but accidentally harms another, the intent transfers to the actual harm caused.

400

What is the 'MPC Test' for insanity

Due to a mental disease or defect, the defendant lacked substantial capacity to appreciate the wrongfulness of the action or conform conduct to the law.

400

What additional element does robbery include that larceny does not?

The use of violence or putting the victim in fear of imminent physical harm.

400

Under what circumstances can deadly force be used in self-defense?

If the defendant reasonably believes that deadly force will be used against them.

500

Under the Model Penal Code, what is the highest level of culpability?

Purposely

500

What does 'vicarious liability' mean

Holding a person liable for an actus reus committed by someone else.

500

Explain the 'heat of passion' defense.

A defendant acted in the heat of passion with no cooling-off period, typically due to a provocation.

500

Describe the crime of arson.

Malicious burning of the dwelling of another.

500

What defense involves committing a crime due to coercion by a third party?

Duress