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Understanding Criminal Law
At Peter Johnson Law, we want our clients and community to feel empowered when navigating the justice system. Explore the basics of criminal law below.
Read the Full Articles
Part 1: Foundations of Criminal Law
Part 2: Key Concepts of Criminal Law
Part 3: Criminal Procedure
Part 4: Inchoate Incomplete Crimes
Part 5: Roles in Crime
Part 6: Crimes Against Property
Part 7: Crimes Against Persons
Part 8: Defenses in Criminal Law
Part 9: Sentencing and Punishment
What is a failure of proof defense?
A failure of proof defense is when the prosecutor didn’t prove every element.
What is self-defense?
Self-defense is when a person uses reasonable force to protect themselves.
What is an affirmative defense?
An affirmative defense is when the act was done with a legal excuse.
What is duress?
Duress is when a person is forced to commit the crime under threat.
What is jury nullification?
Jury nullification is when a jury refuses to convict for fairness reasons.
What are the defenses to murder?
Self-defense, defense of others, accident, insanity, or mistaken identity.
What are the defenses to manslaughter?
Self-defense, accident, provocation, or mental illness.
What is premeditated murder?
Premeditated murder is murder that was planned ahead of time.
What are the defenses to battery?
Self-defense, defense of others, consent, or accident.
What are the defenses to assault?
Self-defense, defense of others, lack of intent, or consent.
What are the defenses to kidnapping?
Consent, lack of intent, or mistaken identity.
What are the defenses to false imprisonment?
Consent, legal authority (like police), or lack of intent.
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