Criminal Justice Lecture Notes

Vocabulary flashcards covering the basics of criminal law, the court system, and elements of intent based on lecture notes.

Criminal law

The branch of law that defines crimes.

Criminal procedure

what the legal process looks like.

Criminal justice

The study of what is fair within the system of crime and punishment.

Civil case

A legal proceeding where an individual sues others to seek compensation for an injury to an individual.

Criminal case

State prosecutes, and seeks to punish an individual deemed as a threat to society

Judicial Branch

The branch of government where law is judged or interpreted, usually following precedents.

Legislative branch

Forbids actions via law

Misdemeamors

A crime punishable by local jail.

4 elements of crime

The components consisting of prohibited action, criminal intent, concurrence of intent, and causation.

Specific intent

A type of criminal intent where the action is done on purpose.

Strict liability

A legal standard where a person is held accountable either way, regardless of intent.

Criminal negligence

A type of criminal intent that is unintentional.

General intent

A type of criminal intent where the individual knew and disregarded the consequences.