Intro to Crime

Question 1

What two things do you need for a crime to be committed?

Answer 1

• Criminal Act (Actus Reus)

- Criminal Intention (Mens Rea)

Question 2

What is Diane Roe’s definition of a crime? (4)

Answer 2

• A wrong against the state
• Either by commission or omission
• Classified by the state as criminal
• One to which a punishment has been attached

Question 3

Those who commit crimes are prosecuted by whom?

Answer 3

• The state

Question 4

The state develops a code of behaviour for the whole of society to adhere to in order to what?

Answer 4

• To maintain social control and standards in society

Question 5

What is the most common example of a common law offence?

Answer 5

• Murder

Question 6

Judges originally imposed a death penalty for murder until Parliament stepped in and passed what Act?

Answer 6

• Murder (Abolition of the Death Penalty) Act 1965

Question 7

Give an example of a case where there was no statutory offence for the defendant to be convicted of so the judges created an offence. What was the crime?

Answer 7

• Shaw v DPP (1962)

- Conspiracy to corrupt public morals

Question 8

What happened in R v R (1991)?

Answer 8

• The marital exception to rape was overturned (finally)

Question 9

What did the House of Lords state in Knuller v DPP (1973)?

Answer 9

• They did not feel it was their remit to create offences and that it should be left to Parliament wherever possible