blaw 220 exam 1 crimes

Actus Reus

the physical act or unlawful omission that constitutes a crime.

Arson

the intentional burning of another's property or one's own property to commit fraud.

Beyond a Reasonable Doubt

the legal standard in criminal cases requiring the prosecution to prove guilt to such a level that no reasonable doubt remains.

Burglary

unlawfully entering a building with the intent to commit a crime, typically theft.

Computer Crime

any criminal activity involving computers or networks, such as hacking, fraud, or identity theft.

Crime

a wrongful act punishable by law.

Double Jeopardy

a constitutional protection under the Fifth Amendment preventing a person from being tried twice for the same crime.

Duress

a defense where a person commits a crime due to immediate threat of serious harm or death.

Embezzlement

the fraudulent appropriation of funds or property entrusted to one's care.

Entrapment

a defense claiming the government induced a person to commit a crime they otherwise would not have committed.

Exclusionary Rule

a legal principle that prohibits evidence obtained illegally from being used in court.

Felony

a serious crime punishable by more than one year in prison or death.

Forgery

the fraudulent alteration or creation of a document to deceive others.

Insider Trading

the illegal buying or selling of stocks based on non-public, confidential information.

Larceny

the unlawful taking and carrying away of someone else's personal property with intent to steal.

Mens Rea

the mental state or intent required to commit a crime.

Misdemeanor

a less serious crime punishable by a fine or imprisonment for less than a year.

Money Laundering

disguising illegally obtained money as legitimate funds by processing it through legal businesses.

Petty Offense

a minor crime, often punishable by a small fine with no jail time.

Plea Bargaining

a negotiation where a defendant pleads guilty to a lesser charge in exchange for a reduced sentence.

Probable Cause

reasonable grounds for law enforcement to conduct a search, make an arrest, or obtain a warrant.

Robbery

the forcible taking of another's property through violence or intimidation.

Search Warrant

a court order authorizing law enforcement to conduct a search of a specific location.

Self-Defense

the legal right to use reasonable force to protect oneself from harm.

Self-Incrimination

the act of exposing oneself to criminal prosecution, protected against by the Fifth Amendment.

White-Collar Crime

non-violent financial crimes typically committed by individuals in business or professional settings, such as fraud, embezzlement, or insider trading.