Inchoate Crimes (due Monday, 2/20/06 at 7:00)

Describe the differences between attempt, solicitation and conspiracy.

Describe a crime for each. Provide enough information so that the elements of each crime are clear.

Pa. Crimes Code

http://members.aol.com/StatutesPA/18.html

Open the above site and go to #2506, a charge that has to do with giving someone drugs and it results in someone's death.

With the elements of this crime, can someone be absolved from criminal liability if they were able to mount a convincing argument that they weren't aware that the amount of drugs they gave was lethal (in other words, "I didn't mean it")?

"I didn't mean to" Due by Monday, Feb. 13th at 7:00

1. Explain the limits of the words "I didn't mean to" in the principles of mens rea.

2. Briefly summarize a case in chapter 4 that shows the limits of "I didn't mean to" (where someone was criminally liable, even though they said they didn't intend it to happen). Give only the important facts of the case and the legal explanation for the criminal liability.

Her Marijuana?

In the case about a Alisha Kimberly, the court stated that mere presence where contraband is found is not enough to determine possession, that additional factors must be found. They use the term 'totality of the circumstances' should be used in looking at incriminating circumstances.

1. In your own words, describe what the term 'totality of the circumstances' means.

2. What was incriminating for Kimberley? List the incriminating circumstances that met the above standard in this case.

Murder in Queens

Read the article beginning on page 74 in the text about the horrible murder in queens and then answer the questions below (for the sake of this exercise, New York is not a 'Good Samaritan' state).

1. Did the residents have a legal duty to intervene? If so, explain the legal basis of the duty.

2. Because the bystanders were neighbors, did they have a 'special relationship' need to intervene.? If not, explain, using legal criteria.

3. If you answered 'no' to #1 and #2, can you think of a situation in which they would have had a legal duty to intervene. Give one example.

Requirement of a Voluntary Act and Status As an Act (Due by 7:00 on Monday Night 2/6/06)

In this blog we will be working with information from chapter 3 in the text.

If your last name begins in A-L, answer questions 1,2 and 3 on page 60.

If your last name begins in M-Z, answer questions 1,2,4 and 5 on page 66 & 67.

Review of Syllabus

We will keep this blog short.
It is critical to this course that you understand the syllabus and course expectations. We will review some of the important items in this blog.
Answer the following questions.

How will the instructor figure out my grades?

As far as attendance, how many classes can I miss before I am dropped from the course?

Your Very First Blog

This blog is not concerned with content-its about posting your work. Write one sentence into the block (it makes no difference what you say) and publish your blog.