Category: Criminal Law

Property Crimes Theft/Larceny: Takes someone else’s property without permission with the intent to permanently deprive them of it. Burglary: Unlawfully enters a building with the intent to commit a crime, usually theft, inside. Robbery: Takes property directly from another person using force, intimidation, or threats. Read Also: Shoplifting: Steals merchandise from a retail store, usually

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General Overview What is criminal law? Criminal law covers crimes against the state or society, such as theft, assault, or murder, and gives a punishment for those crimes. What is the difference between criminal and civil law? Criminal law deals with crimes against society, and prosecution by the state, whereas civil law deals with the

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General Criminal Law What is criminal law? Criminal law specifies offenses committed against society and serves to proffer punishments for those offenses, imprisonment and fines amongst the common ones. What is the difference between a misdemeanor and a felony? Misdemeanors are lesser crimes punishable with less than one year in jail. Felonies, on the other

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1. Presumption of Innocence The cornerstone in criminal law that every person accused is innocent until proven otherwise. 2. Burden of Proof In a criminal case, the prosecution must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the defendant is guilty. 3. Mens Rea (Guilty Mind) The mental state or intent needed to commit a crime, distinguishing

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