Unit 2: Intro to Criminal Law

chapter 8 quiz

What is a crime?

Conduct that goes against society's views, typically resulting in penalties such as jail time or fines.

Who decides criminal actions and laws?

The Legislature.

Who is ineligible for gun ownership under current federal restrictions?

Convicted felons, unlawful users of controlled substances, those adjudicated as mentally defective, illegal aliens, dishonorably discharged military personnel, persons under 18, those subject to a restraining order, and individuals convicted of domestic violence.

What are the requirements for gun dealers?

Dealers must be federally licensed, conduct background checks, document all firearm sales on a federal form, and not sell guns via mail orders.

What percentage of violent crimes is alcohol use a factor in?

Alcohol use is a factor in ⅓ of violent crimes.

How is DWI/DUI measured?

Through Blood Alcohol Content (BAC), measured by a breathalyzer.

What are the consequences of a DWI/DUI?

Consequences can include jail time, loss of license, and/or fines.

What is implied consent in the context of driving?

By driving on the road, you consent to take a breathalyzer test.

What percentage of people arrested for a crime test positive for drugs?

50-75

What does mens rea refer to?

The state of mind required for someone to be considered guilty, different from motive.

What are the three categories of crimes?

Intentional crimes, criminal negligence, and strict liability offenses.

What is the difference between specific and general criminal intent?

Specific intent involves actively desiring the criminal consequences, while general intent involves doing something wrong without realizing it.

What are elements of a crime?

Requirements that must be proven at trial beyond a reasonable doubt to convict an alleged offender.

What distinguishes felonies from misdemeanors?

Felonies are crimes punishable by death or imprisonment, while misdemeanors are any crimes other than felonies.

Who is considered the principal in a crime?

The person who commits the crime.

What is the role of an accomplice?

Someone who helps the principal commit a crime and is usually charged with the same crime.

What is an accessory before the fact?

A person who orders a crime or helps the principal commit the crime but is not present during its commission.

What is an accessory after the fact?

A person who helps the principal or an accomplice avoid capture after knowing a crime has been committed.

What constitutes a crime of omission?

When a person fails to perform an act required by criminal law while being physically able to do so.

What are inchoate crimes?

Preliminary actions that are crimes in themselves and require proof of criminal intent, punishable even if the intended harm never occurred.

What is criminal conspiracy?

A combination of two or more people for the specific purpose of committing a crime, where one or more persons must act on the crime.

What is solicitation for murder?

Paying for someone to commit murder or planning to do so.