Ch 4: Elements of a Crime
About This Chapter
Elements of a Crime - Chapter Summary
Work through this chapter at your own pace to review the basic elements of crime. Containing bite-sized lessons, this chapter examines a variety of crime-related legal terms, as well as different types of crimes. You'll also take a look at concepts like strict liability, concurrence and attendant circumstances. In addition to the lessons, the chapter includes short quizzes that you can take to strengthen your knowledge. The chapter is also accessible on any device that has an Internet connection. By the end of the chapter, you should be equipped to:
- Identify the elements of crime
- Assess the legal definitions of concurrence, and causation
- Explain the concept of attendant circumstances
- Summarize the Burrage v. United States case
- Differentiate between general and specific intent crimes
- Recognize strict liability crimes

1. The Elements of a Crime: Definition & Overview
The elements of a crime refer to the facts that must be established in order to prove criminal liability. This lesson discusses the four common elements of a crime and provides some examples of each.

2. Concurrence: Legal Definition & Exceptions
Concurrence in the law is the requirement that a guilty mental state coincide with a guilty act. Learn about the general elements of a crime and the theory of concurrence as it relates to criminal law.

3. Attendant Circumstances: Definition, Concept & Examples
To convict a person of a crime, the prosecutor needs to prove the elements of that crime. In this lesson, we will learn what attendant circumstances are and what role they play in determining the elements of a crime.

4. Causation: Legal Definitions & Examples
When a criminal act is committed, the law requires certain basic elements to be proven before a person can be found guilty. In this lesson, we will define the element of criminal causation and provide examples of how it applies to a criminal case.

5. Burrage v. United States: Decision & Explanation
The Supreme Court case Burrage v. United States dealt with the causation requirement for a crime to have been committed. In this lesson, we'll examine the case and outcome as well as the 'but for' requirement.

6. General Intent Crimes: Definition & Examples
A general intent crime is a crime that is committed with intent, but the results that happened were not proved to be intentional. This lesson discusses the varieties of general intent crimes.

7. Specific Intent Crimes: Definition & Examples
In some criminal cases, the defendant's state of mind while committing the crime is important. In this lesson, you'll learn about specific intent crimes and what differentiates them from other types of crimes.

8. Strict Liability: Definition, Crimes & Examples
This lesson will teach you what constitutes a strict liability crime. Review the definition of strict liability and examine the various types of strict liability crimes. Then, look at some examples to gain a better understanding of this type of crime.
Earning College Credit
Did you know… We have over 200 college courses that prepare you to earn credit by exam that is accepted by over 1,500 colleges and universities. You can test out of the first two years of college and save thousands off your degree. Anyone can earn credit-by-exam regardless of age or education level.
To learn more, visit our Earning Credit Page
Transferring credit to the school of your choice
Not sure what college you want to attend yet? Study.com has thousands of articles about every imaginable degree, area of study and career path that can help you find the school that's right for you.
Other Chapters
Other chapters within the Criminal Justice 307: Advanced Criminal Law course
- Introduction to Advanced Criminal Law
- The U.S. Legal System, Jurisdiction & Evidence
- The Bill of Rights & Constitutional Protections
- Types of Criminal Defenses
- Parties to Crime & Inchoate Offenses
- Criminal Homicide & Murder
- Sexual Offenses
- Crimes Involving Force & Fear
- Crimes Against Property
- Crimes Against the Public
- Crimes Against the Government