Chapter Fourteen
Criminal Practice:
Criminal Law and Juvenile Law
Purposes of Criminal Law

Deterrence

Rehabilitation

Incapacitation

Retribution
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Elements of a Crime
Mens Rea: the mental element of a crime;
sometimes called the “guilty mind”
a purposeful act
a knowing act
a reckless act
a negligent act
The Prosecution must prove mens rea.
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Elements of a Crime (cont.)
Actus Reus: The physical element of a
crime; the guilty act or the physical
aspect of the crime.
In most cases, an act is a volitional
physical act. This action must be
voluntary.
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Upper Saddle River, NJ 07458. • All Rights Reserved.
Crime: Homicide
Homicide: the taking of the life a
human being by another
First Degree Murder
Manslaughter
Second Degree Murder
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Elements of Battery
1. a reckless or intentional touching
2. of another person
3. that is harmful or offensive
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Upper Saddle River, NJ 07458. • All Rights Reserved.
Prosecution of Juvenile Offenders
Juvenile Court
Criminal Court
Petition
Charges / Complaint
Detention hearing
Arraignment
Jurisdictional hearing
Trial
Dispositional hearing
Sentencing
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© 2010 Pearson Higher Education,
Upper Saddle River, NJ 07458. • All Rights Reserved.