1.
The Law of Complicity is:
Correct Answer
B. When one is responsible for the criminal acts of another
Explanation
The Law of Complicity states that one is responsible for the criminal acts of another. This means that if someone assists or encourages another person to commit a crime, they can be held accountable for the actions of that person. This principle is based on the idea that individuals should be held responsible not only for their own actions, but also for their involvement in the criminal activities of others.
2.
Under common law, the Principal in the First Degree:
Correct Answer
C. Is the individual who performs the actual criminal act
Explanation
The correct answer is "is the individual who performs the actual criminal act." This means that the Principal in the First Degree is the person who directly commits the crime. They are physically present at the scene and actively engage in the criminal act. They are not just an accessory, aider and abettor, or planner of the crime. They are the primary offender who carries out the illegal act.
3.
Under common law, the Accessory Before the Fact:
Correct Answer
B. Aids and abets the crime but is not present at the crime scene (or provides the weapon or vehicle)
Explanation
The correct answer is "aids and abets the crime but is not present at the crime scene (or provides the weapon or vehicle)". Under common law, an accessory before the fact is someone who assists or encourages the commission of a crime, but does not actually participate in the crime itself. They may provide assistance such as providing a weapon or vehicle used in the crime, or actively aiding the perpetrator in planning or carrying out the crime. However, they are not physically present at the scene of the crime.
4.
With modern Texas Law of Parties:
Correct Answer
E. None of the above
5.
Under Modern Texas Law of Parties:
Correct Answer
E. All of the above
Explanation
Under the Modern Texas Law of Parties, all of the above statements are correct. The law removes the distinctions among participants of a criminal event and instead focuses on establishing a relationship between the parties involved in an offense. It treats all parties who participated in the planning and execution of the offense equally, regardless of their actual factual role in the crime. Additionally, culpability is not dependent on the extent of involvement in the crime. Therefore, all of the statements provided in the answer are true under the Modern Texas Law of Parties.
6.
Under Modern Texas Law of Parties:
Correct Answer
A. All traditional distinction between accomplishes and principals are abolished
Explanation
Under the Modern Texas Law of Parties, all traditional distinctions between accomplices and principals are abolished. This means that individuals can be charged with a crime regardless of whether they directly committed the crime or simply assisted or encouraged others to commit it. The law focuses on the degree of participation rather than the degree of blameworthiness, which means that individuals can be held accountable for their involvement in a crime regardless of their level of guilt or intent.
7.
Vicarious Liability means:
Correct Answer
D. B and C
Explanation
Vicarious liability means that the defendant with a culpable mental state causes or aids an innocent or non-responsible person in committing a crime (option C). It also means that one person is held criminally responsible for the conduct of some other person (option B). This concept holds individuals accountable for the actions of others, either by actively participating in the crime or by enabling it to occur.
8.
With Intentional Assistance/Encouragement/Direction and the Mere Presence at a Crime Scene Rule:
Correct Answer
D. A and C
Explanation
The correct answer is A and C. This means that when there is a legal duty to act, the mere presence at a crime scene is enough for criminal liability to attach. Additionally, if someone is present at a crime scene where a person is being beaten illegally and encourages the beating to continue, this is also enough for criminal liability to attach. This explanation highlights the conditions under which criminal liability can be established based on intentional assistance/encouragement/direction and the mere presence at a crime scene rule.
9.
Under Texas law, there is:
Correct Answer
D. B and C
Explanation
Under Texas law, there is a legal duty of a parent to protect their own child from child abuse. This means that parents are legally obligated to take necessary actions to prevent child abuse and ensure the safety and well-being of their child. Additionally, Texas law also states that the mere presence at a crime scene creates a legal duty of a parent to protect their own child from child abuse. This means that if a parent witnesses child abuse or is aware of it happening, they are legally obligated to intervene and protect their child.
10.
If "X" hires "Y" to commit burglary and during the burglary "Y" commits a murder, "X" could be prosecuted for conspiracy to commit murder:
Correct Answer
A. True because Texas law says that it is the responsibility of conspirators to anticipate the results of crimes from the conspiracy
Explanation
The correct answer is true because Texas law says that it is the responsibility of conspirators to anticipate the results of crimes from the conspiracy. In Texas, if someone hires another person to commit a crime, they can be held responsible for any additional crimes that occur during the commission of that crime. This is known as the law of parties, which holds conspirators accountable for the actions and consequences of their co-conspirators. Therefore, if "X" hires "Y" to commit burglary and "Y" commits a murder during the burglary, "X" could be prosecuted for conspiracy to commit murder.
11.
Under Issues in the Law of Parties:
Correct Answer
A. Death penalty is not available for an accomplice who did not intend to kill the victim
Explanation
According to the given information, under the Law of Parties, an accomplice who did not intend to kill the victim is not eligible for the death penalty. This means that if an individual was involved in a crime but did not have the intention to cause the death of the victim, they cannot be sentenced to death.
12.
When Bonnie and Clyde robbed a bank and Clyde committed the act and Bonnie served as the lookout, at trial Clyde was acquitted:
Correct Answer
C. Under Texas law, Bonnie could be convicted as an accomplice
Explanation
Under Texas law, Bonnie could be convicted as an accomplice because she served as the lookout during the bank robbery. In Texas, an accomplice can be held liable for the actions of the principal offender if they intentionally promote or assist in the commission of the offense. Therefore, Bonnie's involvement in the crime as a lookout would make her eligible for conviction as an accomplice under Texas law.
13.
With Pre-Crime Assistance:
Correct Answer
B. "passive recklessness" is enough intent to convict defendant
Explanation
Passive recklessness is enough intent to convict the defendant because it implies that the defendant knowingly engaged in reckless behavior without actively intending to cause harm. This means that even if the defendant did not have the specific intent to commit a crime, their reckless actions were enough to hold them accountable for their actions.
14.
Carmine assists Guido, a professional hitman, in disposal of one of Guido's corpses. Carmine knew nothing of the original killing. Under Texas law, Carmine could be charged with:
Correct Answer
D. A and C
Explanation
Carmine could be charged with tampering with or fabricating evidence because he assisted in the disposal of the corpse, which can be seen as an attempt to alter or hide evidence related to the crime. He could also be charged with abuse of a corpse because he participated in the improper handling or mistreatment of a dead body.
15.
Under Texas Law:
Correct Answer
A. Defendant's conviction cannot be based solely on the testimony of an accomplice or the co-conspirator
Explanation
Under Texas Law, a defendant's conviction cannot be solely based on the testimony of an accomplice or a co-conspirator. This means that there must be additional corroborating evidence or testimony to support the conviction. While the testimony of an accomplice alone can be sufficient to convict a defendant, the same does not apply to the testimony of a co-conspirator. Therefore, the correct answer is that a defendant's conviction cannot be based solely on the testimony of an accomplice or the co-conspirator.
16.
In the United States:
Correct Answer
E. A and B
Explanation
In the United States, corporations are considered to be artificial persons, meaning that they are treated as separate legal entities from their owners. This allows corporations to enter into contracts, own property, and be held liable for their actions. Additionally, corporations can be held liable for the actions of their agents, such as employees or representatives acting on behalf of the company. Therefore, the correct answer is A and B.
17.
A corporation is an artificial person with a legal capacity to act:
Correct Answer
C. Under Texas law, the maximum possible monetary fines for corporations for criminal conduct is $100,000
Explanation
Under Texas law, corporations can face a maximum monetary fine of $100,000 for criminal conduct. This means that if a corporation is found guilty of a criminal offense in Texas, the court can impose a fine of up to $100,000 as a penalty. It is important to note that this answer specifically refers to the maximum possible fine under Texas law and does not provide information about fines under other jurisdictions or laws.
18.
Which of the following is true:
Correct Answer
E. A, B and C
Explanation
The correct answer is A, B and C. Homicide is treated with more seriousness in the criminal law because "death is different" as it involves the taking of a human life, which is considered to be the most serious crime. Voluntary manslaughter is an intentional killing triggered by enough provocation, meaning that the person acted with intent but was provoked enough to justify a lesser charge than murder. Common law judges divided homicide into criminal and non-criminal crimes, recognizing that not all killings are unlawful or deserving of criminal punishment.
19.
Which of the following is true:
Correct Answer
D. A, B and C
Explanation
At common law, both murder and manslaughter were considered criminal offenses. Additionally, justifiable and excusable homicide were made non-criminal, meaning that there were certain circumstances in which killing someone would not be considered a crime. Furthermore, malice aforethought, which refers to the mental state of the offender, was divided into intentional and unintentional categories. Therefore, all options A, B, and C are true.
20.
Which of the following is true:
Correct Answer
E. A, B and C
Explanation
The given answer states that all options A, B, and C are true. Option A suggests that criminal homicide is a rare event. Option B claims that criminal homicide is the most serious crime. Option C states that Texas experiences about 1,400 murders and non-negligent manslaughters each year. The answer suggests that all three options are correct, meaning that criminal homicide is both rare, the most serious crime, and Texas experiences a significant number of such cases annually.
21.
What were the types of homicides recognized at common law?
Correct Answer
E. A, B, C and D
Explanation
The types of homicides recognized at common law were murder, which is killing a person with malice aforethought, and manslaughter, which is killing a person without malice aforethought. Therefore, the correct answer is A, B, C, and D.
22.
What does aforethought mean?
Correct Answer
E. B and C
Explanation
Aforethought means thinking about the act before the crime and also involves lying in wait or long-term planning. This implies that the perpetrator had premeditated intentions and planned the crime in advance, rather than acting impulsively or without any prior thought.
23.
What does malice mean?
Correct Answer
A. Hatred and ill-will
Explanation
Malice refers to a feeling of intense hatred and ill-will towards someone. It is a negative emotion characterized by a strong desire to harm or cause suffering to others. This explanation aligns with the given correct answer, which states that malice means "hatred and ill-will."
24.
Murder was divided into degrees and into a classification system:
Correct Answer
A. First in 1794 in Pennsylvania
Explanation
The correct answer is "A and C". This is because the question asks for the first instances of murder being divided into degrees and into a classification system. The answer states that the first instance occurred in 1794 in Pennsylvania, which aligns with the question. Additionally, the answer mentions that this also occurred in England during common law, which further supports the correct answer.
25.
First degree murders include:
Correct Answer
E. A and B
Explanation
The correct answer is A and B because first degree murders include both premeditated murder and felony murder. Premeditated murder refers to a planned and intentional killing, while felony murder occurs during the commission of a dangerous felony. Manslaughter and voluntary homicide, on the other hand, are considered lesser charges and do not fall under first degree murder.
26.
Why was second degree murder created?
Correct Answer
B. To limit capital punishment without eliminating it
Explanation
Second degree murder was created to limit capital punishment without eliminating it. This means that it was introduced as a legal concept in order to provide an alternative charge for cases where the crime did not meet the criteria for first degree murder but still warranted punishment. By having a separate category for second degree murder, the justice system can impose lesser penalties than the death penalty while still holding offenders accountable for their actions. This helps to strike a balance between the severity of the crime and the punishment imposed.
27.
What is felony murder?
Correct Answer
A. Unintentional deaths during commission of certain felonies like kidnapping, robbery, and arson
Explanation
Felony murder refers to unintentional deaths that occur during the commission of specific felonies such as kidnapping, robbery, and arson. In these cases, the death is not necessarily intentional, but it is a direct result of the felony being committed. This legal concept holds the individuals involved in the felony responsible for any deaths that occur, even if they did not directly cause the death themselves. The intention behind the felony does not matter, as long as the death is a foreseeable consequence of the felony being committed.
28.
What is manslaughter?
Correct Answer
D. A and B
Explanation
The correct answer is A and B. Manslaughter refers to the act of killing another person without premeditation or malice aforethought. Option A, murder when the defendant finds his or her spouse in bed with another person, falls under the category of voluntary manslaughter, where the killing is committed in the heat of passion. Option B, sudden heat of passion murder, also refers to voluntary manslaughter. Therefore, both options A and B accurately define manslaughter.
29.
Voluntary Manslaughter is:
Correct Answer
B. When you kill another due to a sudden heat of passion and when you lose control of your temper
Explanation
Voluntary manslaughter refers to the act of killing another person due to a sudden heat of passion and losing control of one's temper. This means that the individual did not premeditate or plan the killing, but rather acted impulsively in response to extreme emotions. This differs from murder, where the act is intentional and premeditated. In voluntary manslaughter, the person may have been provoked or triggered by certain circumstances, but their actions are still considered unreasonable. Therefore, the correct answer is "B and C" - when you kill another due to a sudden heat of passion and when you lose control of your temper, and when you kill another, not being provoked, and your actions are reasonable.
30.
What is involuntary manslaughter?
Correct Answer
D. A, B and C
Explanation
Involuntary manslaughter refers to unintentional death that occurs as a result of an unlawful act or criminally negligent behavior. This can include situations such as DWI murder, where a person causes a fatal accident while driving under the influence, and texting while driving murder, where a person causes a fatal accident while distracted by texting. Therefore, the correct answer is A, B and C.
31.
Issues in motive include:
Correct Answer
D. A, B and C
Explanation
The correct answer is A, B and C. Issues in motive include helping to identify suspects, establishing proof, and satisfying human curiosity. Motive plays a crucial role in criminal investigations as it helps investigators understand why a crime was committed and who might be responsible. By identifying suspects, motive narrows down the pool of potential perpetrators. Furthermore, motive helps establish proof by providing a logical explanation for the crime. Additionally, understanding motive satisfies human curiosity by providing insight into the motivations and intentions behind criminal acts.
32.
Texas Law:
Correct Answer
B. Says that discovery of a dead body is required when a confession is presented as evidence
Explanation
Texas law states that the discovery of a dead body is necessary when a confession is presented as evidence. This means that if someone confesses to a crime but there is no physical evidence such as a dead body, the confession alone may not be sufficient to establish guilt. The requirement for the discovery of a dead body helps ensure that the confession is supported by tangible evidence, increasing the reliability of the confession as evidence in court.
33.
Under Roe v. Wade:
Correct Answer
C. During the first trimester, a woman has the absolute right to privacy to abort a fetus
Explanation
Under Roe v. Wade, the Supreme Court ruled that during the first trimester of pregnancy, a woman has the absolute right to privacy to make the decision to abort a fetus. This means that the state cannot interfere with a woman's choice to have an abortion during this period. However, it is important to note that the Court's decision also recognized the state's interest in protecting the potential life of the fetus during the second and third trimesters, allowing for more regulations and restrictions on abortion during those stages of pregnancy.
34.
When is a fetus a human being?
Correct Answer
D. A, B and C
Explanation
Under common law, the fetus had to be born alive to be considered a human being. This means that according to common law, a fetus is not considered a human being until it is born and can survive outside of the womb. Under Roe v. Wade, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that a fetus is not considered a person until it is viable, meaning it can live outside the womb. This ruling established the legal framework for abortion rights in the United States. Additionally, under Texas law, a human being is considered to be formed at the moment of fertilization. Therefore, all three options A, B, and C provide different perspectives on when a fetus is considered a human being.
35.
Under Texas Law:
Correct Answer
B. It is not homicide for a doctor to perform a lawful medical procedure resulting in the death of an unborn child
Explanation
Under Texas law, it is not considered homicide for a doctor to perform a lawful medical procedure resulting in the death of an unborn child. This means that if a doctor performs a medical procedure that is deemed legal and necessary, and as a result, the unborn child dies, it would not be classified as homicide. This answer is supported by the given statements, which state that performing an abortion in a hospital is considered homicide, but performing a lawful medical procedure resulting in the death of an unborn child is not.
36.
When is a person dead under Texas law?
Correct Answer
A. Clinical death deals with a person’s heartbeat
Explanation
According to the given answer, a person is considered dead under Texas law when they experience clinical death, which refers to the cessation of the person's heartbeat. This means that the person's heart has stopped beating and they are no longer alive. This definition of death focuses on the functioning of the heart rather than other organs or brain activity.
37.
At Common Law:
Correct Answer
E. None of the above
Explanation
The given question provides information about the year-and-a-day rule, stating that it was not followed in homicide cases and only followed in robbery cases. It then presents a scenario where Al is shot by Ben and remains in a coma for 20 years before ultimately dying. The question asks who is liable for homicide in this situation. However, based on the information provided, it is not possible to determine who is liable for homicide. The year-and-a-day rule does not apply in this scenario, and the question does not provide any additional information to determine liability. Therefore, the correct answer is "None of the above."
38.
Under Texas criminal homicide statutes:
Correct Answer
C. Intoxication manslaughter pertains to recklessness
Explanation
The correct answer is intoxication manslaughter pertains to recklessness. This means that in Texas criminal homicide statutes, if a person causes the death of another while operating a vehicle under the influence of alcohol or drugs, they can be charged with intoxication manslaughter. This charge requires proving that the person acted recklessly, meaning they were aware of the risks involved in their actions but disregarded them.
39.
Capital Murder:
Correct Answer
C. Pertains to both the actus reus and mens rea
Explanation
Capital murder pertains to both the actus reus and mens rea. Actus reus refers to the physical act or conduct of committing a crime, while mens rea refers to the mental state or intention behind the act. In the case of capital murder, both the physical act of causing someone's death and the mental state of intending to cause that death are necessary elements for the crime to be classified as capital murder. Therefore, the correct answer is that capital murder pertains to both the actus reus and mens rea.
40.
Murder in Texas exists in 3 forms:
Correct Answer
D. A, B, and C
Explanation
The correct answer is A, B, and C. This is because murder in Texas can exist in three forms: intent to kill murder, intent to cause somebody bodily injury, and felony murder. Therefore, all three forms are applicable in this case.
41.
With Intent to Cause/Kill Murder:
Correct Answer
A. It is a conduct offense - mens rea is the intent to cause the death of another person
Explanation
The correct answer is A and C. This is because the offense of "With Intent to Cause/Kill Murder" requires both the act of intending to cause the death of another person (mens rea) and engaging in conduct that demonstrates this intent (conduct offense). The answer choice A correctly identifies that mens rea is the intent to cause death, while answer choice C correctly identifies that the offense includes the mens rea of criminal negligence, which refers to knowingly engaging in reckless conduct.
42.
With Intent to Cause Serious Bodily Injury Murder:
Correct Answer
B. It could involve cutting off a person's arm with a chainsaw, resulting in the person's death
Explanation
The correct answer is about an act that involves cutting off a person's arm with a chainsaw, resulting in the person's death. This act demonstrates an intent to cause serious bodily injury, which ultimately leads to the person's death. The act is deliberate and highly dangerous, clearly showing the intention to harm the victim.
43.
At Common Law, the Felony Murder Rule:
Correct Answer
D. Was an unintended murder that occurred during the course of committing another felony
Explanation
The Felony Murder Rule, at Common Law, refers to an unintended murder that takes place during the commission of another felony. This means that if someone is involved in committing a felony, such as robbery or burglary, and someone is killed unintentionally during the course of that felony, the person involved can be charged with murder, even if they did not intend to cause the death. This rule holds the person responsible for the consequences of their actions during the commission of a felony, including any deaths that may occur.
44.
Texas Law says the Felony Murder Rule:
Correct Answer
C. Can involve acts that are clearly dangerous to human life in furtherance of a felony when a death results
Explanation
The correct answer is "Can involve acts that are clearly dangerous to human life in furtherance of a felony when a death results." This means that under Texas law, the felony murder rule can be applied when a death occurs as a result of acts that are clearly dangerous to human life and are committed in furtherance of a felony. This rule applies regardless of whether the underlying offense is a felony or a misdemeanor, as long as a death occurs.
45.
In Texas, capital murder includes the following:
Correct Answer
E. A, B, C and D
Explanation
Capital murder in Texas includes the murder of a police officer or firefighter on official duty, murder for remuneration, murder while escaping a penal institution, and murder of a correctional officer. All of these scenarios fall under the category of capital murder in Texas.
46.
In Texas, Capital Murder:
Correct Answer
E. A and C
Explanation
The correct answer is A and C. In Texas, Capital Murder can apply to a serial killer, as it refers to intentionally causing the death of another person in specific circumstances, such as killing multiple individuals over a period of time. It can also apply to an inmate who kills another inmate, as the law considers the act of killing another person within a correctional facility to be a serious offense that may result in capital punishment. However, it could never apply to a mass murderer, as the term "mass murder" typically refers to the killing of multiple individuals in a single incident, rather than over a period of time.
47.
With the death penalty in Texas:
Correct Answer
A. The jury vote has to be unanimous among the jurors in favor of the death penalty
Explanation
In Texas, the correct answer is that the jury vote has to be unanimous among the jurors in favor of the death penalty. This means that all members of the jury must agree on the decision to impose the death penalty. This requirement ensures that the decision to take someone's life is made with the utmost care and consideration, and that there is no room for doubt or disagreement among the jurors. It also reflects the seriousness and finality of the death penalty as a punishment.
48.
With manslaughter:
Correct Answer
E. A, B and C
Explanation
The correct answer is A, B and C. Manslaughter can occur when the defendant engages in risky behavior, such as driving at a high speed in a restricted zone. In Texas, this reckless behavior is considered a second-degree felony. Additionally, manslaughter can also be charged when the defendant's careless handling of firearms leads to someone's death. Therefore, all options A, B, and C are correct explanations for manslaughter.
49.
With Intoxication Manslaughter:
Correct Answer
A. The offender can be operating a car or a boat
Explanation
The correct answer is A. The explanation for this is that the offender can be charged with intoxication manslaughter whether they are operating a car or a boat. This means that if the offender is driving a car or piloting a boat while intoxicated and someone dies as a result of their actions, they can be charged with intoxication manslaughter. The other options, B and C, are incorrect because they do not include all the correct information provided in the question.
50.
Criminal Negligence:
Correct Answer
B. Involves what the defendant ought to have done under the circumstances
Explanation
The correct answer is "Involves what the defendant ought to have done under the circumstances." This explanation is supported by the information provided in the question, which states that criminal negligence involves what the defendant should have done in a given situation. The other options mentioned in the question, such as going to prison or specific laws related to traffic, murder, drugs, and assault, are not directly related to the concept of criminal negligence.