BL 4-1: Criminal Law

What is the most fundamental characteristic of a crime?

• It is a civil offense against an individual.

• It is a punishable offense against society.

• It is a moral wrongdoing.

• It is a breach of contract.

Which of the following is NOT an element that must be proven for a criminal conviction?

• Duty

• Violation of the duty

• Criminal intent

• Motive

How is a felony different from a misdemeanor?

• A felony is punishable by a fine of less than $1,000.

• A misdemeanor is punishable by confinement for more than a year.

• A felony is punishable by confinement for more than a year or a fine of more than $1,000.

• A misdemeanor is punishable by death.

What is the role of society in the prosecution of a crime?

• To protect the victim of the crime.

• To identify, arrest, prosecute, and punish the criminal.

• To ensure the criminal pays civil damages to the victim.

• To provide legal representation to the criminal.

Why might a corporation be judged to have criminal intent?

• If the corporation's employees have criminal intent and the act benefits the organization.

• If the corporation has a large number of employees.

• If the corporation is involved in civil litigation.

• If the corporation pays its taxes on time.

Discuss the implications of vicarious criminal liability for corporate officers.

• Corporate officers are never held responsible for crimes committed by employees.

• Corporate officers can be held criminally liable if the employee's criminal intent is substituted for their own.

• Corporate officers are only responsible for financial crimes.

• Corporate officers are automatically guilty if any employee commits a crime.

Evaluate the statement: "Insane persons are not held responsible for their criminal acts."

• True, because they lack the mental capacity to know right from wrong.

• False, because all individuals are held responsible regardless of mental state.

• True, but only if they voluntarily became intoxicated.

• False, because insanity is not a recognized defense.

What is the difference between a misdemeanor and an infraction?

• A misdemeanor is punishable by death, while an infraction is not.

• A misdemeanor can result in jail time, while an infraction can only result in a fine.

• An infraction is a more serious crime than a misdemeanor.

• A misdemeanor is not punishable by a fine, while an infraction is.