Criminal negligence is a gross deviation from reasonable care—often described as acting with “wanton or reckless disregard” for others’ safety—that creates a substantial and unjustifiable...
Assault is an intentional act that makes another person reasonably fear immediate harmful or offensive contact, even if no physical injury occurs. In many jurisdictions,...
Battery is typically an intentional, unconsented physical touching that is harmful or offensive, and it can be charged as a misdemeanor or felony depending on...
Burglary is typically defined as unlawfully entering a building or dwelling with the intent to commit a crime inside—often theft, but not always. Many states...
First-degree murder is the intentional, premeditated killing of another person and is typically the most serious homicide charge, often punishable by life in prison or,...
Second-degree murder is typically an intentional killing that is not premeditated, or a killing caused by extreme recklessness (often called “depraved heart” murder). Unlike first-degree...
Mens rea is the mental state prosecutors must prove—along with the actus reus—to establish most crimes. It covers intent levels like purpose, knowledge, recklessness, and...
Actus reus is the “guilty act” element of most crimes—typically requiring a voluntary act or a legally recognized omission. In criminal law, prosecutors generally must...
An affirmative defense is a legal argument that can defeat or reduce liability even if the plaintiff’s main allegations are true. Instead of denying the...
