unit 2 law

misdemeanor

a less serious crime, like petty theft.

felony

a more serious crime committed, like murder

infraction

a minor violation to the law, like at traffic ticket

principal

the person who commits the crime

accomplice

the person who helps commit the crime

homicide

killing of one human being by another

malice

intent to kill or seriously injure arising from a deliberate, rational mind.

assault

knowingly placing another person in fear of bodily harm

battery

physical contact with another person without consent, done in an angry manner

arson

using fire or explosives to damage property

vandalism

destruction of another persons property

robbery

taking property from another person by threat or force

larceny/burglary

without authority entering into or remaining within any dwelling with intent to commit a felony

cybercrime

criminal offense committed using a computer/digital deviceill

digital piracy

illegal act of copying digital goods without permission

hacking

activities that seek to compromise digital devices

malware

computer software with malicious intent

eyewitness

person who sees an act occur firsthand

appeal

defendant asks higher court to review actions of a lower court

how might a persons intent change their charge of a crime?

if intention is involved of a kill, it proves that the murder was intended, if it was a complete accident, charges may possibly be lowered

what is aiding and abetting

person that during the commission of a crime, helps with it.

what is obstructing law enforcement

helping to destroy evidence or hiding a person

what is an accessory after the fact

person who helps the principal avoid capture, who also knows full knowledge of the crime

difference between 1st degree and 2nd degree murder

1st deg: killing of human intentionally, premeditation.

2nd deg: killing of a human intentionally or unintentionally, but recklessly under circumstances manifesting extreme indifference.

difference between voluntary and involuntary manslaughter

voluntary: knowingly killing a human being committed upon a heat passion or upon an unreasonable but honest belief.

Involuntary: knowingly killing of a human being committed, recklessly in the commission.

difference between assault and battery

assault: knowingly placing another person in reasonable apprehension of immediate bodily harm

battery: knowingly or recklessly causing bodily harm to another person; or knowingly causing physical contact with another person, done in a rude, insulting, or angry manner

5 rights given to a citizen through the copyright act

reproduction, creation, distribution, performance publicly, and display of work.

how does a case flow through the court system

district court, state court of appeals, state supreme court, federal district court, supreme court

what is an appellate court

appellate court is used to hear appeals to lower court decisions, questions of law.

what is the court of last resort in the united states

states supreme courts

trial courts of district court system deal with this level of cases

civil and criminal cases

how to be a better eyewitness

write what you can remember

focus on unchangeable/unique features

avoid making inferences w/ police

only state what you know

dont assume suspect is in a lineup if given one

what four psychological factors can affect eyewitness testimony

anxiety/stress

reconstructive memory

weapon focus

leading questions

what are the changes that can be made to a lineup procedure for suspects to make more effective

double blind administration of lineup

proper lineup composition

witness instructions

confidence statements

lineup being documented