Elements of Crimes

1
Elements of Crimes

• Mens Rea
• Actus Reus
• Concurrence
• Causation

2

• Specific Intent
• General Intent

3
Related Concepts

• Constructive Intent
• Transferred Intent
• Strict or Absolute Liability
• Vicarious Liability

• Malum In Se
• Malum Prohibitum
• Subjective Intent
• Objective Intent
• Canons of Statutory
• Construction

4
Proving Mens Rea

• Circumstantial Evidence
• Objective Vs Subjective
• Inferences
• Confessions
• Intoxication ?

5
Montana vs. Model Penal Code

• Purposely
• Knowingly
• Negligently

• Purposely
• Knowingly
• Recklessly
• Negligently

6
Actus Reus

• 1st Element to consider
• Thoughts alone are not criminal
• Does not include personal status (drug addict vs.
  drug possession)
• Omissions to act may be sufficient i.e. failure
  to file taxes or have driver license

7
Causation

• Not an issue in all crimes
• Must be cause in fact (but for)
• Result must not be too remote or accidental

8
Crime Actus Reus Mens Rea (when they concur)

• Sometimes a result must be caused