Crm 2300

Criminal Law

A body of law that pertains to crime and the punishment of those who violate laws.

Discursive

Characterized by discussion or reasoning rather than by intuition or impulse.

Doctrine of Precedence

Legal doctrine stating that in the event of a conflict, similar past decisions should guide the ruling.

Doctrine of Stare Decisis

A legal principle that obligates courts to follow historical cases when making a ruling on a similar case.

Judicial Power

The authority given to courts and judges to interpret and enforce law.

Liberal Principles

Guiding rules that advocate for individual rights, liberty, and due process within the law.

Due Process Model

A legal framework that prioritizes the rights of the individual in the criminal justice system.

Crime Control Model

A legal model that emphasizes the efficient management of crime and the enforcement of laws.

Aiding and Abetting

The act of helping or facilitating another person in committing a crime.

Accessory After the Fact

A person who assists another knowing they have committed a crime, usually by helping them evade arrest.

Actus Reus

The physical act or conduct that constitutes a criminal offense.

Mens Rea

The mental state or intent of a person when committing a crime.

Common Intention

A legal concept where multiple individuals share a common goal to commit a crime and are liable for actions taken in furtherance of that crime.

Necessity Defense

A legal defense claiming that a defendant acted out of necessity to prevent a greater harm.

Civil Disobedience

The active, professed refusal to obey certain laws, demands, and commands of a government.

Legal Issue

A question or dispute that is subject to resolution through the application of law.

Plea Bargaining

A negotiated agreement where an accused pleads guilty to a lesser charge in exchange for a reduced sentence.

Trial by Jury

A legal proceeding where a jury makes a decision or findings of fact.

Collective Obedience

The conformity of individuals to rules, laws, and norms established by society.

Monopoly Over the Use of Force (MOUF)

The exclusive right of the state to use, or authorize the use of, physical force.

Judicial Accountability

The concept that judges must be accountable for their actions and decisions in the legal system.

Abuse of Power

The use of authority in an unjust or wrongful manner, particularly by those in power.

Racial Profiling

The use of race or ethnicity as grounds for suspecting someone of having committed an offense.

Social Practice

An activity that involves individuals in a social context and reflects their behaviors and interactions.

Charter Rights

Rights and freedoms guaranteed under the Constitution of Canada.

Judicial Review

The ability of the judiciary to review and potentially nullify actions or laws of the executive or legislative branches.

Statute of Limitations

A law that sets the maximum time after an event within which legal proceedings may be initiated.

Victimology

The study of victims and the patterns of how they are victimized.

Crown Attorney

The lawyer representing the government in prosecuting criminal cases.

Defense Counsel

The attorney representing a defendant in a criminal prosecution.

Inquisitorial System

A legal system where the court plays an active role in investigating the case.

Adversarial System

A legal system where two opposing parties present their case to an impartial judge or jury.

Criminal Code

A code that consolidates the criminal law of a jurisdiction, outlining all statutes related to criminal offenses.