SOC209H5 Lecture Notes - Lecture 2: Actus Reus, Cross Purposes, Personal Rights
Document Summary
Lecture 2: the construction of crime, law and justice. Criminology- the scientific study of crime and criminal behaviour. Administrative: governmental, correctionalism, management and control of crime and criminals, enhance through effective control. Scientific: academic how is it applied, causality what causes crime (genetics or environment , regulation, power. An act of omission that is prohibited by criminal law. Omission: failing to report child abuse, failing to provide the necessities of life. Actus reus- the illegal act: criminal action. Mens rea: guilty intent, to be convicted of most crimes, a person must have done something criminal and usually must have intended to do it. Intent: highest level of culpability, purposefully or intentionally causing harm, confused with motive, knowledge, accused is aware that action would casue harm, may not be premediated, recklessness. Individual violates a law simply by lacking the appropriate care and attention about something he or she is doing. Actus reus: commission, omission, or possession, different from status, eg.
