Elements of Crime Quiz

Questions and Answers

Which of the following best defines Criminology as per the Philippine Criminology Profession Act of 2018?

The study of criminal behaviors in different cultures.

The scientific study of crime, criminals, and victims. (correct)

The historical examination of laws and their effects.

An analysis focused on socioeconomic factors in crime.

Who is credited with coining the term 'Criminology' in 1885?

Raffaele Garofalo (correct)

Paul Topinard

Donald Cressey

Edwin Sutherland

Which division of Criminology involves the scientific analysis of the conditions under which criminal law affects society?

Penology

Criminalistics

Criminal Etiology

Sociology of Law (correct)

What aspect does Victimology primarily focus on in the context of crime?

The role of the victim and victimization processes. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following approaches posits that crime is inherited or identifiable through physical characteristics?

Biological Signup and view all the answers

Edwin Sutherland and Donald Cressey defined criminology as what?

The study of crime as a social phenomenon. Signup and view all the answers

What does the approach of Criminal Etiology focus on?

The reasons and causes behind criminal behavior. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following describes the Ecology approach in crime studies?

Analyzing competition and social interaction in environments. Signup and view all the answers

The division of Penology is primarily concerned with which aspect of crime?

Controlling crime through punishment and deterrence. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements is true regarding demographic factors and crime?

The composition of a population can influence criminality. Signup and view all the answers

What is required for a crime to be established under criminal law?

Both Actus Reus and Mens Rea Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following accurately describes mala prohibita?

Acts deemed wrong solely because they are prohibited by law Signup and view all the answers

Which element is not necessary for crimes categorized as mala in se?

Action taken with good faith Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes a felony from other types of offenses in criminal law?

Felonies are punishable under the Revised Penal Code Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best defines a misdemeanor?

Minor offenses usually mandated by stricter regulations Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following laws represents an example of mala prohibita?

Anti-Violence Against Women and Their Children Act Signup and view all the answers

What does the concurrence of Actus Reus and Mens Rea imply for a crime to occur?

Both must occur simultaneously for liability Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the role of punishment in the definition of crime?

And element of crime requiring that the act must be punishable by law Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Definition of Crime

Crime involves the intentional commission of acts deemed socially harmful, defined, prohibited, and punishable by law.
It includes acts or omissions that violate public law.

Basic Elements of Crime

Actus Reus: The physical act of committing a crime (guilty act).
Omission: The failure to act when there is a duty to do so.
Mens Rea: The mental state of the perpetrator (guilty mind).
Concurrence: Both actus reus and mens rea must be present for a crime to be established.
Punishment Requirement: The act must be punishable by law.

Classifications of Crime

Offense: Violations of special penal laws, e.g., Anti-Violence Against Women Act (RA 9262), Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act (RA 9165).
Mala Prohibita: Acts deemed wrong due to legal prohibition; intent is not required, but intelligence and voluntariness are essential (e.g., RA 8353 - New Rape Law).
Felony: Violations of the Revised Penal Code (RPC), referred to as mala in se, e.g., theft (article 308, RPC), robbery (article 293, RPC), murder (article 248, RPC).
Mala In Se: Acts considered inherently evil or wrongful; intent is a necessary element (e.g., crimes under RPC).
Misdemeanor: Minor violations of rules or regulations, often handled at the municipal level, e.g., prostitution, vandalism, curfew violations.

Approaches to Crime Study

Biological: Links criminal behavior to hereditary or physical traits.
Psychiatric: Attributes crime to mental diseases and disorders.
Psychological: Examines behavioral disorders as causes of crime.
Sociological: Investigates social factors contributing to criminality.
Geographical: Considers the influence of location on criminal behavior.
Demographical: Studies how population composition relates to crime.
Epidemiological: Explores crime transmission within populations.
Ecology: Analyzes crime in relation to social interactions and competition.
Economic: Investigates the link between crime and wealth distribution.
Victimology: Focuses on the victim's role and how individuals are victimized.

Criminology

Defined by R.A No. 11131 as the scientific study of crime, criminals, and victims, including crime prevention and resolution.
The term "criminology" originated from the Latin "Crimen" (offense) and "Logos" (study).

Etymology of Criminology

Coined by Raffaele Garofalo in 1885, the Italian "Criminologia" represents the merging of criminal study concepts.
Paul Topinard first used it in French as "Criminologie."
Edwin Sutherland is recognized as a significant figure for defining criminology as the study of crime as a social phenomenon.

Principal Divisions of Criminology

Sociology of Law: Analyzes the impact of criminal law on society.
Criminal Etiology: Studies the causes and reasons behind criminal behavior.
Penology: Concerns controlling crime through deterrence and punishment.
Criminalistics: Involves the collection and analysis of physical evidence at crime scenes.

Key Figures

Raffaele Garofalo established foundational concepts of criminal behavior.
Edwin Sutherland and Donald Cressey emphasized the social aspect of crime in their definitions.

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Description

Test your knowledge on the fundamental elements of crime, including Actus Reus, Mens Rea, and the requirements for a guilty mind and act. This quiz will help you understand how these concepts interplay in criminal law and the implications for punishment. Perfect for students studying law or criminology.