Criminal Law Overview

Felonies: Serious offenses (e.g., murder, robbery) with severe penalties (over one year of imprisonment).
Misdemeanors: Less severe offenses (e.g., petty theft) with lighter penalties (up to one year of imprisonment).
Infractions: Minor violations (e.g., traffic tickets) typically punishable by fines.

Violent Crimes: Crimes involving force or threat (e.g., assault, homicide).
Property Crimes: Crimes that infringe on a person's right to own property (e.g., burglary, theft).
White-Collar Crimes: Non-violent crimes committed for financial gain (e.g., fraud, embezzlement).
Cyber Crimes: Crimes involving computers or networks (e.g., hacking, identity theft).
Public Order Crimes: Offenses that disrupt societal norms (e.g., disorderly conduct, drug offenses).

Innocence: Claiming the defendant did not commit the act.
Insanity: Arguing a lack of mental capacity to understand the act was wrong.
Self-Defense: Justifying the act as necessary to protect oneself from harm.
Alibi: Providing evidence that the defendant was elsewhere when the crime occurred.
Entrapment: Claiming the defendant was induced to commit a crime they would not have otherwise committed.

Presumption of Innocence: Every person is innocent until proven guilty.
Burden of Proof: The prosecution must prove the defendant's guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
Double Jeopardy: A person cannot be tried twice for the same offense.

Deterrence: Aims to prevent crime by discouraging potential offenders.
Retribution: Ensures justice by imposing penalties on offenders.
Rehabilitation: Focuses on reforming offenders to reintegrate them into society.
Restoration: Seeks to mend the harm inflicted on victims and communities.

Felonies: Serious crimes like murder and robbery, often resulting in imprisonment exceeding one year.
Misdemeanors: Less severe offenses such as petty theft, typically punishable with up to one year of jail time.
Infractions: Minor violations, commonly subject to fines (e.g., traffic violations).

Actus Reus: The physical act that constitutes a crime.
Mens Rea: The mental intent or state of mind behind the action.
Causation: Establishes a direct link between the act and the resultant harm.
Harm: Refers to actual damage inflicted on individuals or property.

Violent Crimes: Involve force or threat, such as assault or homicide.
Property Crimes: Violate ownership rights, including burglary and theft.
White-Collar Crimes: Financially motivated, non-violent crimes such as fraud and embezzlement.
Cyber Crimes: Offenses involving computers or networks, including hacking and identity theft.
Public Order Crimes: Disrupt societal norms, e.g., disorderly conduct or drug offenses.

Innocence: Asserts the defendant did not commit the alleged crime.
Insanity: Claims inability to understand the wrongdoing due to mental incapacity.
Self-Defense: Justifies actions taken to protect oneself from immediate harm.
Alibi: Provides proof that the defendant was in a different location at the crime's occurrence.
Entrapment: Argues that the defendant was coerced into committing a crime they would otherwise not have committed.

Investigation: Law enforcement collects evidence related to the crime.
Arrest: Detaining a suspect by law enforcement officials.
Charges: Formal accusation against the defendant by the prosecutor.
Arraignment: Initial court session where charges are presented.
Trial: Court procedure for evaluating evidence if plea deals fail.
Sentencing: Court's decision on punishment following a guilty verdict.
Appeal: Process for seeking review of the case by a higher court if errors are suspected.

Presumption of Innocence: Ensures individuals are considered innocent until proven guilty.
Burden of Proof: Prosecution is required to establish the defendant's guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
Double Jeopardy: Protects individuals from being tried multiple times for the same offense.