6: Criminal Law
- Page ID
- 11149
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\(\newcommand{\avec}{\mathbf a}\) \(\newcommand{\bvec}{\mathbf b}\) \(\newcommand{\cvec}{\mathbf c}\) \(\newcommand{\dvec}{\mathbf d}\) \(\newcommand{\dtil}{\widetilde{\mathbf d}}\) \(\newcommand{\evec}{\mathbf e}\) \(\newcommand{\fvec}{\mathbf f}\) \(\newcommand{\nvec}{\mathbf n}\) \(\newcommand{\pvec}{\mathbf p}\) \(\newcommand{\qvec}{\mathbf q}\) \(\newcommand{\svec}{\mathbf s}\) \(\newcommand{\tvec}{\mathbf t}\) \(\newcommand{\uvec}{\mathbf u}\) \(\newcommand{\vvec}{\mathbf v}\) \(\newcommand{\wvec}{\mathbf w}\) \(\newcommand{\xvec}{\mathbf x}\) \(\newcommand{\yvec}{\mathbf y}\) \(\newcommand{\zvec}{\mathbf z}\) \(\newcommand{\rvec}{\mathbf r}\) \(\newcommand{\mvec}{\mathbf m}\) \(\newcommand{\zerovec}{\mathbf 0}\) \(\newcommand{\onevec}{\mathbf 1}\) \(\newcommand{\real}{\mathbb R}\) \(\newcommand{\twovec}[2]{\left[\begin{array}{r}#1 \\ #2 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\ctwovec}[2]{\left[\begin{array}{c}#1 \\ #2 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\threevec}[3]{\left[\begin{array}{r}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\cthreevec}[3]{\left[\begin{array}{c}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\fourvec}[4]{\left[\begin{array}{r}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \\ #4 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\cfourvec}[4]{\left[\begin{array}{c}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \\ #4 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\fivevec}[5]{\left[\begin{array}{r}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \\ #4 \\ #5 \\ \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\cfivevec}[5]{\left[\begin{array}{c}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \\ #4 \\ #5 \\ \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\mattwo}[4]{\left[\begin{array}{rr}#1 \amp #2 \\ #3 \amp #4 \\ \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\laspan}[1]{\text{Span}\{#1\}}\) \(\newcommand{\bcal}{\cal B}\) \(\newcommand{\ccal}{\cal C}\) \(\newcommand{\scal}{\cal S}\) \(\newcommand{\wcal}{\cal W}\) \(\newcommand{\ecal}{\cal E}\) \(\newcommand{\coords}[2]{\left\{#1\right\}_{#2}}\) \(\newcommand{\gray}[1]{\color{gray}{#1}}\) \(\newcommand{\lgray}[1]{\color{lightgray}{#1}}\) \(\newcommand{\rank}{\operatorname{rank}}\) \(\newcommand{\row}{\text{Row}}\) \(\newcommand{\col}{\text{Col}}\) \(\renewcommand{\row}{\text{Row}}\) \(\newcommand{\nul}{\text{Nul}}\) \(\newcommand{\var}{\text{Var}}\) \(\newcommand{\corr}{\text{corr}}\) \(\newcommand{\len}[1]{\left|#1\right|}\) \(\newcommand{\bbar}{\overline{\bvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\bhat}{\widehat{\bvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\bperp}{\bvec^\perp}\) \(\newcommand{\xhat}{\widehat{\xvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\vhat}{\widehat{\vvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\uhat}{\widehat{\uvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\what}{\widehat{\wvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\Sighat}{\widehat{\Sigma}}\) \(\newcommand{\lt}{<}\) \(\newcommand{\gt}{>}\) \(\newcommand{\amp}{&}\) \(\definecolor{fillinmathshade}{gray}{0.9}\)After reading this chapter, you should understand the following:
- Explain how criminal law differs from civil law.
- Categorize the various types of crimes and define the most serious felonies.
- Discuss and question the criminal “intent” of a corporation.
- Explain basic criminal procedure and the rights of criminal defendants.
At times, unethical behavior by businesspeople can be extreme enough that society will respond by criminalizing certain kinds of activities. Ponzi schemes, arson, various kinds of fraud, embezzlement, racketeering, foreign corrupt practices, tax evasion, and insider trading are just a few. A corporation can face large fines, and corporate managers can face both fines and jail sentences for violating criminal laws. This chapter aims to explain how criminal law differs from civil law, to discuss various types of crimes, and to relate the basic principles of criminal procedure.
- 6.1: Introduction to Criminal Law
- This page examines criminal law, highlighting its foundation in ancient traditions and emphasis on state prosecution for societal harm. It discusses key concepts such as criminal intent, responsibility, and constitutional rights, along with the importance of clear statutory definitions. Unlike civil law, victims cannot dismiss charges, as the state holds prosecutorial power. A crime comprises both an action (actus reus) and the intent (mens rea) behind that action.
- 6.2: Types of Crimes
- This page provides an overview of crime classifications, focusing on felonies and white-collar crimes. It covers serious offenses like murder and robbery, defining homicide and various types of theft. It also distinguishes between intent-driven crimes, such as fraud and embezzlement, and outlines federal laws addressing environmental, corporate, and computer crimes.
- 6.3: The Nature of a Criminal Act
- This page discusses essential concepts in criminal law, including the definitions of criminal acts and intent. It highlights that individuals can be guilty of attempting a crime without completion and underscores the significance of mental state (mens rea). The text distinguishes between factual and legal impossibility in attempts, explores conspiracy laws, and notes that individuals can be held liable without executing the crime.
- 6.4: Responsibility
- This page discusses the legal concepts of criminal intent and various excuses that can limit or eliminate responsibility for crimes. It highlights mens rea, which varies with the crime's nature, and outlines common excuses like mistakes of fact, entrapment, compulsion, and lack of capacity (infancy, insanity). The text notes that not all crimes necessitate intent, particularly in regulatory matters, emphasizing the complexity of excuses and the critical role of intent in determining guilt.
- 6.5: Procedure
- This page outlines U.S. criminal procedures post-arrest, including preliminary hearings, indictment processes, and defendant pleas (guilty, not guilty, nolo contendere). Following a guilty plea or conviction, sentencing occurs, along with the option to appeal. The aim is to ensure fairness for both defendants and society.
- 6.6: Constitutional Rights of the Accused
- This page outlines key constitutional rights of defendants in the U.S. from the Bill of Rights, including protections against unreasonable searches (Fourth Amendment), double jeopardy and self-incrimination (Fifth), the right to a speedy trial, cross-examination, and counsel (Sixth), and prohibitions on cruel and unusual punishment (Eighth). It emphasizes the presumption of innocence, due process, and the exclusionary rule that prevents illegally obtained evidence from being used in trials.
- 6.7: Cases
- This page discusses two legal cases. In "State v. Mills," the Mills couple was convicted of fraud for misrepresenting loan security, with the court affirming that deceit in this context constitutes theft, protecting the title interest. In "United States v.
- 6.8: Summary and Exercises
- This page outlines criminal law as governing societal offenses, distinguishing it from civil law by requiring specific intent. It categorizes crimes into felonies and misdemeanors, highlighting white-collar crime and liability for attempts or conspiracies. The text also explores various scenarios of criminal activities, legal defenses, and implications for business executives, stressing the importance of understanding one's legal rights.
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