Criminal Law Vocabulary

Summary offense

Summary offense

less serious offense that are often enforced through fines or community service (ex. speeding ticket)

Indictable offense

offense that usually goes to court, often enforced through jail time (ex. murder or sexual assault)

Hybrid offense

could be dealt with as a summary or indictable offense, the Crown will decide which

Mens Rea

the formed intent of performing the crime

Actus Reas

the act of performing the crime

Criminal law

offenses against society gets criminal law involved

Intent: knowledge

knowing what you are doing is wrong

Intent: attempt

tried to perform the crime

Intent: conspiracy

planning the crime with more than two people

Abetting

to encourage someone to commit a crime

Due diligence

putting effort in so that something bad won’t happen, ex. knowing the speed limit

Accessory after the fact

helping after once the crime is committed, ex. helping getting rid of a weapon

Strict liability offense

defense can argue due diligence

absolute liability offense

have no possible defense, only through fines

intent: recklessness

carelessness or disregard to your actions

intent: motive

by itself doesn’t prove guilt, it is the reasoning of commiting the crime