4-1 Criminal law

Goals Understand the three elements that make up a criminal act Classify crimes according to the severity of their potential sentences

Hot Debate! Where do you stand? Was mark morally justified in his actions? What action should the law take against mark?

What is a crime? A crime is a punishable offence against society. When a crime occurs, society-acting through police and prosecutors-attempts to identify, arrest , prosecute, and punish the criminal.

Elements of a Criminal Act Whether you had a duty imposed by criminal statute (laws) to do or not do a certain thing Whether you performed an act or omission in violation of this duty Whether or not you had criminal intent in so doing.

What’s the Verdict? Did Greenvisor commit a crime by his actions?

Classifications of Crimes Crimes can be classified based on what occurred or by the severity of their potential sentences. Status Offense Petty Offence Misdemeanor Felony

Status Offense An Act that is only a crime if it is committed by a juvenile. Examples: Running away Curfew Truancy

Petty Offense Less serious crimes that us usually punishable by a fine Examples: Minor Traffic Violations Littering

Misdemeanor Punishable for up to one year in a county or city jail Punishable for a fine of $1000 or less Or both! Examples: Disorderly conduct Speeding Theft

Felony Punishable by more than one year in state prision (1 year and 1 day) Punishable by a fine of more than $1000 Or Both! Or Death! Examples: Murder Robbery Theft of large sums Hate crimes is a new addition to this list

What’s the Verdict? Could Murdock and his gang be charged with a federal hate crime which would bear a much stiffer penalty?

You be the Judge! Group Activity!