Criminal Law Flashcards

Domestic Violence

A reckless form of physical or mental abuse between family members

Plaintiff

In a criminal proceeding, the state or federal government representing the public is this

Premeditation

A prosecutor must prove this in a first degree murder case

Manslaughter

When a killing occurs and there is no premeditation the defendant may be charged with this

Motive

This plays no part in proving criminal liability, but may explain why the defendant committed the crime

Entrapment

If a law enforcement officer induces a law-abiding citizen to commit a crime, they may use this defense

Self Defense

When people have good reason to believe they are in danger of serious injury or death, they can use force to protect themselves. This is called:

Defendant

A person who commits a crime

Accessory before the fact

A person who plans a crime but is not there when the crime is carried out

Principal

The person who commits the crime

Hate Crime

Committed with the intent to intimidate an individual or group due to their race, color, religion, gender etc.

Mens Rea

The element of a crime meaning mental state

Actus Reus

The action of committing a crime

3rd and 4th degree crimes

Ravi was originally charged with these

2nd and 3rd degree crimes

Hate crime laws caused Ravi's charges to change to these

Insanity

A defense used when a person cannot be held responsible for their actions because they didn't know what they were doing

Robbery

The wrongful taking and carrying away of the personal property of another through violence or threats

Burglary

Breaking and entering with the intent to commit a felony

Shoplifting

The act of stealing goods from a store

Larceny

Taking property with the intent to deprive the owner of that property