Principles+Of+Law

Let's start with the Seven Principles of Criminal Law, the seven principles are essential for a crime to be committed. First Legality-Offensive and harmful behavior are not illegal unless it has been prohibited by law before it was committed. The second is Actus reus from Latin meaning actions guilty. For a crime to occur there must be an act of either commission or omission by the accused. You can't be convicted of a crime due to your status. Third is Causation-For a crime to have been committed, there must be a causal relationship between an act and the harm suffered. Fourth is Harm-To be a crime, an act must cause harm to some legally protected value. Questioned by some because they may be causing harm only to themselves. The fifth is concurrence-the intent and the act must be present at the same time. The sixth is Mens rea- It means a state of mind "guilty mind."Exceptions are strict liability offenses involving health and safety, in which it is not necessary to show intent. Legislatures have criminalized certain kinds of offenses in order to protect the public. Courts limit the application of such laws to situations in which recklessness or indifference is present. Last is punishment-Must be a provision in the law calling for punishment of those found guilty of violating the law. These are good to learn off by heart for exams and in court.