The Law Dictionary

CRIMINAL INTENT

TheLaw.com Law Dictionary & Black's Law Dictionary 2nd Ed.

Having the necessary state of mind in order to be guilty of a crime. This is known as mens rea, a guilty mind. A person who was unaware of the consequences of his or her actions may not have the sufficient guilty mind. For example, a person who takes a paper bag off of a counter thinking it is food that has been paid for but the bag actually contains illegal drugs inside. The … [Read more...]

CRIMINAL

TheLaw.com Law Dictionary & Black's Law Dictionary 2nd Ed.

(noun) - One who has committed a criminal offense; one who has been legally convicted of a crime; one adjudged guilty of crime.(adjective) - That which pertains to or is connected with the law of crimes, or the administration of penal justice, or which relates to or has the character of crime. Charleston v. Beller, 45 W. Va. 44, 30 S. E. 152: State v. Burton, 113 N. C. 655, 18 … [Read more...]

CRIMINAL JURISDICTION

TheLaw.com Law Dictionary & Black's Law Dictionary 2nd Ed.

The legal right and power of a court to preside over and adjudicate a criminal matter. … [Read more...]

CRIMINAL ACT

TheLaw.com Law Dictionary & Black's Law Dictionary 2nd Ed.

A term which is equivalent to crime; or is sometimes used with a slight softening or glossing of the meaning or as importing a possible question of the legal guilt of the deed. … [Read more...]

CRIMINAL ACTION

TheLaw.com Law Dictionary & Black's Law Dictionary 2nd Ed.

The proceeding by which a party charged with a public offense is accused and brought to trial and punishment is known as a "criminal action." Pen. Code Cal. … [Read more...]

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