The Basics of Criminal Law

The U.S. Constitution, and the state constitutions in many states, set limits for criminal law. Courts interpret the law and decide whether certain parts violate the constitution, and they give guidance on the law. A crime is a prohibited act for which a person may be punished with imprisonment, loss of liberty, or both. State and federal lawmakers define crimes in statutes. Here are some key points to remember: Classification of crimes There are various types of crimes in the world, and they can be further divided into three basic categories: public order crime, traditional crime, and economic crime. Public order crimes involve acts that are often in the public interest, such as vandalism and theft, while conventional crime involves violations of the sacred norms of an individual's...

The basics of criminal law include the elements of crime and the elements of intent. A prosecution must prove that a person was guilty of committing a crime in the proper mens rea - their mental state and intent - before they are found guilty. In order to convict a person, a jury must find that all four elements are present. This article will review the elements and explain what they mean in criminal law. Once you have understood the elements of crime, you can apply them to your own life. Mens rea The concept of mens rea in criminal law is a controversial issue in the criminal justice system. It is a moral theory that a crime must be committed by a person who possessed a particular, objectionable state of mind. The argument that human beings are much more interested in the mental st...