CRIM 100 Lecture Notes - Lecture 4: Ex Post Facto Law, Actus Reus, Strict Liability

• School: George Mason University
• Department: Criminology
• Course: CRIM 100
• Professor: Bamford

Document Summary

Laws providing that citizens cannot be punished for actions committed before laws against the actions were passed and that the government cannot increase the penalty for a specific crime after the crime was committed: due process. Substantive due process limits the government"s power to criminalize behavior unless there is a compelling reason for the public interest to do so. The actions of a person: mens rea. Is the urging, requesting, or commanding of another to commit a crime: conspiracy. Is the planning by two or more people to commit a crime: attempt. Is an incomplete criminal act, the closest act to the completion of a crime: major defenses against charges, prefect defense, person is excused from all criminal liability and punishment. Imperfect defense: the persons liability or punishment is reduced, most common defenses, alibi, consent or condoning by the victim, entrapment or outrageous government conduct, duress.