SOC209H5 Lecture Notes - Lecture 2: Actus Reus, Mens Rea, Due Process
Document Summary
Management and control of crimes and criminals. Goal of benefitting institutions and agencies: scientific. Acts or omission that is prohibited by criminal law. Deviance is looked down upon but not illegal. Criminal acts are illegal by code of law: act. Something that you have not done that is in violation of the law. Components of crime to be convicted of most crimes, a person must have done something criminal and usually must have intended to do it. Manslaughter somewhat of an exception ( no intent but guilty mind: actus reus: criminal action, mens rea: guilty mind/ intent. Three levels of mens rea: intent: (i. e speeding) Accused is aware that action would cause harm. Individual violates a law simply by lacking the appropriate care and attention about something she/he is doing. Example: saying one is a drug dealer but it is not a true crime unless something is bought/ sold.
