Reading Assignment for Section 3.3

Read the following subsection from our online textbook: Section 3.3: Elements of Crimes.

What You Will Learn

In this section, you’ll explore the fundamental elements of crimes, starting with the concept of actus reus. You’ll learn about mens rea, including the four culpable mental states recognized in the Model Penal Code. Additionally, you’ll understand strict liability and its offenses, the element of concurrence, the differences between general and specific intent crimes, and the relationship between harm and causation.

Student Learning Outcomes for Section 3.3

• SLO 1: Describe the actus reus element of crimes.
• SLO 2: Describe the mens rea element of crimes referencing the four culpable mental states recognized in the Model Penal Code.
• SLO 3: Explain what is meant by strict liability, and give examples of strict liability offenses.
• SLO 4: Define the element of concurrence.
• SLO 5: Differentiate between crimes of general intent and crimes of specific intent.
• SLO 6: Describe the element of harm, and how the element of cause relates to it.