Intro to Criminal Law

Test 1

Which term means “the criminal act”?

Actus reus

Which term means “the criminal intent or state of mind”?

Mens rea

Define habeas corpus.

A writ requiring authorities to justify a person’s confinement.

What is a writ of certiorari?

A discretionary review of a lower court decision by the Supreme Court.

What is police power?

The authority of states/local governments to enact and enforce criminal laws within constitutional limits.

Define misdemeanor.

A less serious crime than a felony, often punished with fines, probation, or short jail time.

Define felony.

The most serious grade of crime, usually punishable by prison.

What is a status crime?

A law that punishes a condition (like drug addiction) without requiring an act.

What is ex post facto?

A retroactive criminal law that punishes conduct that wasn’t a crime when committed.

What is a bill of attainder?

A law that punishes someone without a trial.

True or False: A felony always requires a prison sentence.

/False

/True or False: The Supreme Court must grant all petitions for writ of certiorari.

/False

/True or False: Prostitution laws are an example of moral law influencing criminal law.

/True

/True or False: Ex post facto laws are constitutional if applied fairly.

/False

/True or False: Concurrence requires the guilty act and guilty mind to occur together.

/True

/What are the four goals of criminal law listed in the textbook?

/Deterrence, protection, punishment, rehabilitation

/What is the difference between intent and motive?

Intent = purpose to act; Motive = reason why the act is done.

A state passes a law in 2025 making it a crime to have downloaded music illegally in 2018. Which principle does this violate?

Ex post facto

A law is so broad it prohibits both violent protests and peaceful assemblies. Which doctrine might invalidate it?

Overbreadth doctrine

Sarah is arrested for being an alcoholic, even though she hasn’t committed any related act. What makes this unconstitutional?

Status crime prohibition

A prosecutor proves a defendant intended to steal a car but cannot prove the act occurred. Which element is missing?

Actus reus

Your community believes rehabilitation is the main goal of criminal justice, but the textbook lists deterrence, protection, punishment, and rehabilitation. Why might these differ?

Community values may prioritize reform over punishment, while the textbook reflects traditional legal goals.

What is a tort?

A non-contractual civil wrong.

Define criminology.

The sociological and psychological study of crime causes, development, and control.

Define forensic science.

Scientific principles and tests used in courts of law.

What does nulla poena sine lege mean?

“No punishment without law” — no act should be punished unless a law exists beforehand.

What is public law?

Criminal law in England and the United States.

Define common law.

The earliest form of law created by judges based on customs and moral concepts.