Key Terms
Crime
A social harm that the law punishes. Criminal statutes define the rules required for civil society to function.
Strict Liability Crimes
Acts defined by the legislature as social wrongs that do NOT require proof of intent.
Parallel causes of action
The same incident can produce both a criminal case AND a civil tort case. They run separately.
Example
O.J. Simpson was acquitted of murder in criminal court (government did not meet "beyond a reasonable doubt") but was fou
Felonies
Serious crimes punishable by one year or more in prison
Examples
Fraud, arson, homicide
Misdemeanors
Less serious crimes; penalties include fines, probation, or time served in jail pending conviction Examples: trespassing
White-Collar Crime
Nonviolent crimes committed by people in a professional capacity or by organizations, for financial gain, usually throug
Blue-Collar Crime
Traditional street crimes
Key amendments
Fourth, Fifth, Sixth, Eighth The Fourteenth Amendment makes these rights applicable to state-level prosecutions.
Probable Cause
When the known facts and circumstances would lead a reasonable person to believe that an item sought is contraband, stol
Automobile Exception
Passenger compartment of a lawfully stopped car may be searched without a warrant; if the officer spots something incrim
Stop and Frisk Exception
A lawfully stopped person may be frisked without a warrant
Double Jeopardy
A person cannot be tried twice for the same offense by the same governmental body
Purpose
Ensure people understand their constitutional rights so they can make informed decisions about whether to speak with law