Introduction to Criminal Law - Vocabulary Flashcards

This set of flashcards contains key vocabulary related to criminal law concepts and definitions.

Unlawfulness

A legal concept indicating actions that contradict laws or societal norms.

Intention

The mental state in which a person desires to bring about a specific result through their actions.

Culpability

The degree to which a person can be held responsible for their actions or omissions under criminal law.

Criminal capacity

A person's mental ability to understand the nature and consequences of their actions.

Dolus directus

Direct intention where the perpetrator aims to achieve a specific unlawful result.

Dolus indirectus

Indirect intention where the perpetrator realizes their actions will likely cause a prohibited result.

Dolus eventualis

A form of intention where the perpetrator foresees a possible outcome of their actions and accepts that possibility.

Putative private defence

A mistaken belief that one is acting in self-defense, although no real threat exists.

Causation

The relationship between an act and its consequences, determining if the act caused the resulting harm.

Necessity

A legal justification for an otherwise unlawful act taken to prevent a greater harm from occurring.

Private defence

A legal principle allowing individuals to use reasonable force to protect themselves from illegal attacks.

Mistake of fact

An error regarding a fact that negates the intention required for culpability.

Mistake of law

A misunderstanding or ignorance of the law which can sometimes negate intention.

Aberratio ictus

A legal term for when an intended target is missed, and a third party is unintentionally harmed.

Triviality

A defense in legal matters where the offense is considered too minor to warrant prosecution.