3/8/26, 10:59 PM California peace officer standards and training (P. O.S.T.) LD 5 Introduction to criminal law
California peace officer standards and training (P. O.S.T.) LD 5
Introduction to criminal law
Accessory
One who knowingly assists a perpetrator after the felony has been committed
Accomplice
A principal who testifies for the prosecution against another principal
Aids and abets
Actively assisting, supporting, promoting, encouraging, strengthening or
instigating in the commission of a crime by act or advice
Breach of contract
Failure to comply with the terms of a formal agreement
Case law
Laws that are based upon appellate court decisions
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, 3/8/26, 10:59 PM California peace officer standards and training (P. O.S.T.) LD 5 Introduction to criminal law
Civil law
Non-criminal violations of the law
Codes
All current statutes or ordinances enacted by legislative body
Constitutional law
Rules and provisions found in the federal and state constitutions
Crimes
Violations of the criminal statute
Criminal intent
A mental state or frame of mind that the person knowingly did the particular
criminal act (break the law). May be general, specific or transferred
Criminal law
Statutes that describe crime and punishment
Criminal negligence
An act that is aggravated or reckless, and constitutes indifference to the
consequences
/ 2/5
California peace officer standards and training (P. O.S.T.) LD 5
Introduction to criminal law
Accessory
One who knowingly assists a perpetrator after the felony has been committed
Accomplice
A principal who testifies for the prosecution against another principal
Aids and abets
Actively assisting, supporting, promoting, encouraging, strengthening or
instigating in the commission of a crime by act or advice
Breach of contract
Failure to comply with the terms of a formal agreement
Case law
Laws that are based upon appellate court decisions
/ 1/5
, 3/8/26, 10:59 PM California peace officer standards and training (P. O.S.T.) LD 5 Introduction to criminal law
Civil law
Non-criminal violations of the law
Codes
All current statutes or ordinances enacted by legislative body
Constitutional law
Rules and provisions found in the federal and state constitutions
Crimes
Violations of the criminal statute
Criminal intent
A mental state or frame of mind that the person knowingly did the particular
criminal act (break the law). May be general, specific or transferred
Criminal law
Statutes that describe crime and punishment
Criminal negligence
An act that is aggravated or reckless, and constitutes indifference to the
consequences
/ 2/5
