State Criminal Jurisdiction

Key vocabulary and concepts related to how a state establishes jurisdiction over criminal acts based on conduct and results.

State Jurisdiction (Criminal)

A state acquires legal authority over a crime if either the conduct or the result happened within that state.

Conduct (Jurisdictional Requirement)

One of the two components that can establish a state's jurisdiction over a crime if the physical act occurred within its borders.

Result (Jurisdictional Requirement)

One of the two components that can establish a state's jurisdiction over a crime if the criminal outcome occurred within its borders.

Cross-Border Jurisdiction Example

A scenario such as shooting a bullet from one state across a state line to kill someone, where jurisdiction is established by conduct in the first state and by the result in the second.