Introduction to Criminal Law

Flashcards covering the key concepts and elements related to criminal liability, actus reus, mens rea, causation, and related legal principles.

Actus Reus

The conduct or state of affairs prohibited by criminal law.

Mens Rea

The mental element necessary for committing a crime.

Causation

Proving that the acts of the accused caused a specific criminal result.

Continuing Acts

Legal principle that allows for the coincidence of actus reus and mens rea, even if initially accidental.

Automatism

A defense for lack of conscious control over actions, such as sleepwalking.

Reflex Action

Unintentional actions that occur as a reflex, impacting liability.

Innocent Agents

Cases where the accused was not acting at all; liability may be absent.

External Events

Circumstances beyond the accused's control that may affect liability.

Factual Causation

Determining if the accused's actions were a cause of the prohibited result.

Legal Causation

Choosing among the many 'but for' conditions to establish legal responsibility.

Thin Skull Rule

Principle that pre-existing characteristics of a victim do not negate causation.

Novus Actus Interveniens

An intervening act that breaks the chain of causation.

Mens Rea Transfers

The concept that mens rea for one crime may transfer to another unintended victim.

Recklessness

Involves unjustifiable risk-taking and can be subjective or objective in definition.

Strict Liability Offences

Statutory offences that do not require mens rea and impose liability for accidents or mistakes.