1. Introduction to Criminal Law
Chapter 8

2. General Considerations of Criminal Law
An Act of Crime Usually Has a Reason or MOTIVE
Crimes are made up of ELEMENTS
All Components of the crime were committed
Example – someone breaks into your home when no one is there cannot be charged for robbery.

3. Types of Crimes Felony Misdemeanor Most Serious
1 Year or More Jail Time
Misdemeanor
Least Serious
1 Year or Less in Jail

4. Parties to Crime Principal – person who commits the crime
Accomplice – helps another person commit a crime
Accessory before and after the fact
Time for Problem 8.1!

5. Preliminary Crimes Solicitation Attempt Conspiracy
Asking Someone to Commit a Crime
Attempt
Intent to Commit a Crime + Taking Some Type of “Action”
Example try to shoot someone but miss
Conspiracy
Agreement between 2 or more to commit a crime