#1
What is the legal principle of 'mens rea' primarily concerned with?
The guilty mind
ExplanationMens rea deals with the mental state of the perpetrator.
#2
In criminal law, what does 'actus reus' refer to?
The physical act of committing a crime
ExplanationActus reus pertains to the outward criminal act.
#3
What is the primary purpose of criminal law?
To protect society
ExplanationCriminal law aims to safeguard societal interests.
#4
Which of the following is NOT typically considered a violent crime?
Burglary
ExplanationBurglary usually does not involve direct violence against persons.
#5
What is the main purpose of 'criminal sentencing'?
To impose punishment for criminal offenses.
ExplanationSentencing aims to administer penalties for crimes committed.
#6
What is the difference between 'felony' and 'misdemeanor'?
The severity of the crime and potential punishment.
ExplanationFelony crimes are more severe with harsher penalties than misdemeanors.
#7
Which of the following is NOT a requisite for a crime under the principle of 'actus reus'?
Mental state
ExplanationActus reus focuses on the physical act, not the mental state.
#8
According to the 'M'Naghten Rule,' a defendant is deemed insane if:
They lack the capacity to understand their actions
ExplanationInsanity is defined by the inability to comprehend actions.
#9
Which of the following is NOT a defense in criminal law?
Negligence
ExplanationNegligence is not a defense, it's a legal standard.
#10
What is the difference between 'specific intent' and 'general intent' crimes?
The level of intent required
ExplanationSpecific intent requires a higher level of intent than general intent crimes.
#11
What is the difference between 'mens rea' and 'actus reus'?
Mens rea refers to the guilty mind, while actus reus refers to the guilty act.
ExplanationMens rea deals with mental state, while actus reus deals with physical action.
#12
What is the 'burden of proof' in criminal cases?
The obligation of the prosecution to prove the defendant's guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
ExplanationProsecution must prove guilt beyond reasonable doubt.
#13
What is the 'doctrine of transferred intent' in criminal law?
Intent can be transferred from one crime to another
ExplanationIntent can be shifted between different criminal acts.
#14
What does the 'corpus delicti' of a crime refer to?
The elements of the crime itself
ExplanationCorpus delicti encompasses the core elements of a crime.
#15
Under what circumstance might a person be held liable for 'strict liability' crimes?
When they engage in inherently dangerous activities
ExplanationStrict liability applies to inherently risky actions, irrespective of intent.
#16
What is the purpose of the 'ex post facto' principle in criminal law?
To prevent the passage of retroactive laws that criminalize past conduct.
ExplanationIt prohibits retroactive criminalization by new laws.
#17
What is the 'principle of legality' in criminal law?
The concept that laws must be clear and understandable to the average person.
ExplanationLaws must be clear and comprehensible to ordinary citizens.
#18
What does the term 'inchoate offense' refer to in criminal law?
An offense that is planned but not yet completed.
ExplanationIt refers to incomplete criminal acts, like attempted crimes.