by Syeda Sumaira Tabassum
Law: Lecture 5
Criminal Law: General Principles of
Criminal Liability
Table of Contents
1. Introduction to Criminal Law
2. Key Principles of Criminal Liability
3. Elements of Crime
4. Stages of Crime
Intention
Preparation
Attempt
Commission
5. General Exceptions under Penal Codes
6. Specific Offenses and Principles
Homicide
, Theft
Assault
7. Summary
8. Multiple Choice Questions
9. Answer Key for MCQs
1. Introduction to Criminal Law
Criminal law is the body of law that defines and punishes offenses against
the public, society, or the state. Its primary aim is to maintain public order
and protect individual rights by prescribing conduct that is forbidden and
establishing penalties for violations.
Objectives of Criminal Law
Deterrence
Punishment
Rehabilitation
Prevention
Social defense
Sources of Criminal Law
Statutes (Penal Codes)
Case Law (Judicial Interpretations)
Customary Law (in some jurisdictions)
2. Key Principles of Criminal Liability
a. Actus Reus (Guilty Act)
Refers to the physical act or unlawful omission that constitutes a crime.
b. Mens Rea (Guilty Mind)
Refers to the mental element—the intention or knowledge of wrongdoing.
c. Concurrence
The actus reus and mens rea must occur simultaneously.
d. Legality
No crime or punishment without law (nullum crimen sine lege).
e. Causation
Law: Lecture 5
Criminal Law: General Principles of
Criminal Liability
Table of Contents
1. Introduction to Criminal Law
2. Key Principles of Criminal Liability
3. Elements of Crime
4. Stages of Crime
Intention
Preparation
Attempt
Commission
5. General Exceptions under Penal Codes
6. Specific Offenses and Principles
Homicide
, Theft
Assault
7. Summary
8. Multiple Choice Questions
9. Answer Key for MCQs
1. Introduction to Criminal Law
Criminal law is the body of law that defines and punishes offenses against
the public, society, or the state. Its primary aim is to maintain public order
and protect individual rights by prescribing conduct that is forbidden and
establishing penalties for violations.
Objectives of Criminal Law
Deterrence
Punishment
Rehabilitation
Prevention
Social defense
Sources of Criminal Law
Statutes (Penal Codes)
Case Law (Judicial Interpretations)
Customary Law (in some jurisdictions)
2. Key Principles of Criminal Liability
a. Actus Reus (Guilty Act)
Refers to the physical act or unlawful omission that constitutes a crime.
b. Mens Rea (Guilty Mind)
Refers to the mental element—the intention or knowledge of wrongdoing.
c. Concurrence
The actus reus and mens rea must occur simultaneously.
d. Legality
No crime or punishment without law (nullum crimen sine lege).
e. Causation
