The Meaning of Crime

<aside> 🔑 A crime is an act against the state which violate the rights of the community at large for which punishment is prescribed

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There must be an act or failure to act (an omission) which breaks the law. This act or omission must be seen as harmful to the whole community and is punishable by the State.

The Elements of Crime

You need to be able to prove the elements of crime, to show the accused is guilty beyond reasonable doubt

• Actus reus:
• Mens rea:
• Causation:

Strict Liability Offences

• Strict liability means that a person can be charged with committing a criminal offence, even if they no intension of committing one
• Less serious crimes, e.g. speeding which doesn’t require mens rea, it is a crime as it has actus reus for speeding
• Doesn’t require proof of mens rea only actus reus

Categories of crime:

• Offences against the person:
• Crimes against the sovereign:
• Economic offences:
• Drug offences: