POLI 3120 Chapter Notes - Chapter 4: Actus Reus, Mens Rea, Homicide

• School: University of Iowa
• Department: Political Science
• Course: POLI 3120
• Professor: Timothy Hagle

Document Summary

Can the same physical act be the actus reus to more than one crime: the act itself may not be intrinsically wrong, yes, you can punch a minor and be charged with assault and child endangerment. When might a physical act not be voluntary: a physical act may not be voluntary when someone is unconscious, has a physical illness, has epilepsy, experiences a trauma, etc, not an excuse if the person knew the risk. Can a failure to act satisfy the physical component of a crime (in the proper circumstances of course): yes, there has to be a legal duty to act, you have to be capable of doing this act. In what situations might someone have a duty to act: relationship between the actor and victim. I. e. parent and child: statutory duty to act - if you don"t do it, you can be criminally charged.