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Criminal Law part 2: Introduction and Crimes against the person. Mr. Garfinkel 2/4/14. State of mind vs. motive. Most crimes require an act and a guilty “state of mind” This means there was some intent: accidentally tipping over a candle is not arson
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Criminal Law part 2: Introduction and Crimes against the person Mr. Garfinkel 2/4/14
State of mind vs. motive • Most crimes require an act and a guilty “state of mind” • This means there was some intent: accidentally tipping over a candle is not arson • Some crimes are “strict liability” offences. These do not require a guilty state of mind: i.e. selling alcohol to a minor • A “motive” is the reason why an act is performed
Elements • Crimes are made up of elements • Each element must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt. Example: Robbery is defined as taking and carry away goods or money from someone’s person by force or intimidation. What are the elements of this crime?
Problem 8.1 pg. 97
Parties • Principal: The person who commits the crime • Accomplice: Someone who helps another commit a crime (ex. getaway car driver) • Accessory before the fact: A person who orders a crime or helps commit the crime but is not present • Accessory after the fact: A person who helps the principal or accomplice avoid capture knowing they have committed a crime
Crimes of Omission When you don’t do something you are required to do... pg. 100: The Case of the Drowning Girl
Preliminary crimes • Solicitation: Ask, command, urge, or advice another person to commit a crime. • Attempt: To simply attempt to commit a crime is often itself a crime. The accused must both be trying to commit a crime and take substantial step to committing the crime. • Conspiracy: An agreement between two or more people to commit a crime.
Crimes against the person: Murder • Homicide: The killing of one human being by another • First Degree Murder: Killing that is premeditated, deliberate and done with malice (an intent to kill or cause severe injury) • Felony Murder: Any killing that takes place during the commission of certain felonies such as arson rape or robbery. • Second degree murder: Killing done with malice but without premeditation
Manslaughter and Negligent homicide • Voluntary Manslaughter: A “crime of passion” killing that takes place after a person is provoked. Must be more than words. • Involuntary manslaughter: Unintentional killing resulting from conduct so reckless that it causes extreme danger. • Negligent homicide: The causing of death through the failure to exercise a reasonable or ordinary amount of care
Hypotheticals Remember, some killings are not homicides Examples? Let’s look at: Problem 9.1 and 9.2