Crim Just 2-3

Body of law that governs the creation and function of state and federal government agencies.

Combines the features of the M’Naghten rule and the irresistible impulse test to establish that a defendant can be found criminally insane i

The relationship between mens rea and actus reus. Refers to what happens within the context of the act that makes it a crime.

In order to convict a defendant of a crime, the court must find that there is little doubt according to the reasonable-person standard.

Law that is created as a result of legal decisions by the court.

Law that governs disputes between individuals or private parties and generally involves the violation of private acts.

One of the four required components of a criminal act. Occurs when the mens rea and actus reus join together in a crime.

Law that is specified by either a state or the U.S. Constitution.

A strategy to justify, explain, or excuse criminal behavior.

A defense strategy that describes people who are forced to violate the law out of fear for their own safety or the safety of others around t

A defense strategy that describes when an individual is deceived by a government official to engage in an act that is against the law.

Legal ruling that allows courts to hold an offender guilty for a crime but acknowledges the issues of mental illness as a cause of the crimi

Refers to a case where evidence excludes someone from having committed the crime.

An individual is not held responsible for his or her criminal actions as a result of his or her mental state.

Refers to the conscious decision to engage in a criminal act.

A criminal defense that uses being under the influence of drugs or alcohol as a justification for offending.

One of the tests of the insanity defense. Expands the M’Naghten rule with the issue of control. Describes the condition that even though an

Latin term that refers to the theory that punishment should fit the crime. The concept derives from ancient law and is referenced in biblica

One of the standards of insanity. Refers to situations when the defendant is unable to understand the difference between right and wrong at

Latin for crimes that are considered to be inherently wrong and therefore illegal.

Latin for crimes that are only illegal because they have been defined as such under the law.

One of the four required components of a criminal act. Latin for the “evil thought.” Refers to the intent of an offender.

Combines the features of the M’Naghten rule and the irresistible impulse test to establish that a defendant can be found criminally insane i

Refers to cases in which an individual had to break the law in order to prevent a more significant harm from occurring.

A written decision of the court. Focuses on issues of law that can be used as precedent in future cases.

A person who brings a suit in a civil case.

Refers to the legal standard whereby future decision are required to take into consideration previous rulings.

The burden of proof in a civil case. Refers to when the totality of the evidence exceeds a 50% likelihood that the law was violated.

Provides the legal structure and rules by which cases should move through the system.

Component of a crime that refers to the harm that is experienced as a result of the mens rea and actus reus joining together.

Defense strategy that allows for the use of force to defend oneself against an attacker.

Latin for “to stand by things settled.” Refers to the system of precedent.

Laws that are established by governments.

Select cases where acts are crimes even if the individual lacked the mens rea or intent to commit a crime.

Defines what makes behavior a criminal act under the law.