CRJU 221 Final

What is the legal defense called that argues an act was right under the circumstances?

Justification

Q: What happens if an initial aggressor withdraws and the victim continues the attack?

A: The victim may be charged; initial aggression doesn’t justify retaliation.

Q: What's the difference between perfect and imperfect justification?

A: Perfect leads to acquittal; imperfect reduces the sentence.

Q: What is the duress defense?

A: Committing a crime under immediate threat of serious harm or death.

Q: Can duress be used as a defense for homicide?

A: Usually no.

Q: What are the elements of robbery?

A: Taking property by force or threat of force.

Q: What distinguishes fraud from other property crimes?

A: It involves deception for personal gain.

Q: What is embezzlement?

A: Lawful possession of property followed by unlawful conversion.

Q: What is insider trading?

A: Using non-public information to trade stocks for advantage.

Q: What are the three steps of money laundering?

A: Placement, Layering, Integration.

Q: What is joint criminal conduct?

A: When multiple people act together, they may be liable for each other’s actions if in furtherance of the crime.

Q: What are the elements of attempted murder?

A: Specific intent to kill and an act beyond mere preparation.

Q: What is required for a conspiracy charge?

A: Specific intent, agreement between 2+ people, and an overt act.

Q: How is an overt act in conspiracy different from preparation?

A: It’s less than full preparation; a small step in committing the crime.

Q: What is factual cause?

A: The defendant’s action started the sequence of events leading to harm.

Q: What is legal (proximate) cause?

A: The harm was a foreseeable result of the defendant’s action.

Q: What is compounding?

A: A victim demands something in return for staying silent about a crime.

Q: What is misprision of a felony?

A: Knowing about a felony and failing to report it.

Q: What is espionage?

A: Transmitting secrets to unauthorized individuals.

Q: What is sabotage?

A: Damaging national defense capabilities.

Q: What is sedition?

A: Advocating the violent overthrow of the government.

Q: What is treason?

A: Aiding enemies of the U.S., must be done by a citizen.

Q: What is perjury?

A: Lying under oath.

Q: What is subornation of perjury?

A: Getting someone else to lie under oath.

Q: What is obstruction of justice?

A: Interfering with an investigation, even if not under oath.