Overview of Criminal Law

Criminal law is a body of law that relates to crime and punishment.
It defines conduct that is classified as a crime and prescribes penalties for such conduct.
Purpose: To maintain public order, protect individuals, and deter criminal behavior.

Crime: An act or the commission of an act that is forbidden or punishable by law.
Felony vs. Misdemeanor:
- Felony: Serious crimes (e.g., murder, rape) typically punishable by imprisonment for more than one year or death.
- Misdemeanor: Less serious offenses (e.g., petty theft, vandalism) usually punishable by less than one year in jail or fines.

Personal Crimes: Directly harm or threaten harm to an individual (e.g., assault, robbery).
Property Crimes: Involve interference with a person's right to use or enjoy their property (e.g., burglary, theft).
Inchoate Crimes: Crimes that were begun but not completed (e.g., conspiracy, attempt).
White-Collar Crimes: Non-violent crimes committed for financial gain (e.g., fraud, embezzlement).
Cyber Crimes: Offenses conducted via the internet or involving computers (e.g., hacking, identity theft).

Arrest: Law enforcement detains an individual suspected of a crime.
Charges: Formal accusation of a crime, usually filed by a prosecutor.
Trial: Legal examination of evidence before a judge or jury to determine guilt or innocence.
Sentencing: The punishment assigned to a convicted individual, which can include incarceration, fines, or community service.

Insanity Defense: Argues that the defendant was not mentally competent at the time of the crime.
Self-Defense: Claims the act was necessary to protect oneself from imminent harm.
Duress: Asserts that the defendant was forced to commit the crime under threat.
Mistake of Fact: Claims a misunderstanding of fact negated the intent element.

Presumption of Innocence: Defendants are considered 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 crime.

Incarceration: Serving time in prison or jail.
Probation: A period of supervised release instead of serving time.
Fines: Monetary penalties paid to the state.
Community Service: Mandatory work performed for the benefit of the community.

Criminal law governs actions classified as crimes and outlines punitive measures.
Aims to uphold public order, safeguard individuals, and discourage criminal activity.

Crime: Acts that are prohibited or punishable by law.
Felony: Serious offenses like murder or rape, punishable by over one year in prison or the death penalty.
Misdemeanor: Less severe violations like petty theft, typically punishable by less than one year in jail or fines.

Personal Crimes: Offenses directly inflicting harm or threats on individuals, such as assault or robbery.
Property Crimes: Crimes that disrupt an individual's right to use their property, including burglary and theft.
Inchoate Crimes: Unfinished crimes, indicating the act was started but not finalized, like conspiracy or attempt.
White-Collar Crimes: Non-violent financial crimes such as fraud and embezzlement.
Cyber Crimes: Offenses committed through the internet or digital systems, like hacking and identity theft.

Arrest: Law enforcement action to detain a suspect.
Charges: Official allegations made by a prosecutor against a suspect.
Trial: Judicial process wherein evidence is reviewed to establish guilt or innocence.
Sentencing: Determination of punishment for a convicted individual, which may include prison time, fines, or community service.

Insanity Defense: Claims lack of mental competency at the crime's time.
Self-Defense: Justifies actions as necessary for personal protection from immediate danger.
Duress: Argues that the crime was committed under threats or coercion.
Mistake of Fact: Claims a misunderstanding negated criminal intent.

Presumption of Innocence: Individuals are viewed as innocent until proven guilty.
Burden of Proof: It is the prosecution's responsibility to demonstrate guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
Double Jeopardy: Legal principle preventing an individual from being tried twice for the same offense.

Incarceration: Imprisonment in jail or prison as a punitive measure.
Probation: Supervised release allowing offenders to remain in the community under certain conditions.
Fines: Monetary penalties imposed by the court as punishment.
Community Service: Court-mandated work benefitting the community as an alternative to incarceration.