CASE 4.1
Johnny has been burglarizing houses since he was 12 years old. He is now 25 years old, and he is becoming more
violent in his crimes. Now he actually commits his burglaries when people are home, and he is in possession of a
firearm when he commits his burglaries. The elements of an armed burglary include:
• Willfully entering a dwelling.
• Be armed or arming oneself after entering the house or committing an assault on a person who is lawfully in
the house.
• Knowingly and intentionally committing the crime.
36. Johnny is looking at spending many years in prison if he is convicted of the most recent armed burglary of which he is
accused. Because of the potential punishment, the crime of armed burglary most like qualifies as a:
37. In addition to armed burglary charges, Johnny is being investigated for statutory rape charges. He has been having
sexual relations with his girlfriend, who is 14 years of age. She lied to Johnny and told him she was 19 years old.
Prosecutors are able to prove that she is 14 years of age, which means she is younger than the age of consent for sexual
intercourse in the jurisdiction where the sexual relations took place. Johnny claims that he should not be charged with this
crime because he did not have the intent to commit a crime. He claims it was an honest mistake because his girlfriend
looks a lot older. According to the law, Johnny can still be held responsible for his actions because this crime qualifies as
a:
ITCJ.SIWO.16.4.6 – Define the term strict liability.
CASE 4.2
Adam is a 16-year-old who has a history of strange behavior. He is now being homeschooled by his mother because
he has a difficult time relating to his peers. His psychologist has diagnosed him with bipolar disorder. One
afternoon, Adam goes to the high school that he once attended. He brings his father’s revolver and attempts to
shoot a few of his former classmates and a teacher. He misses all of his targets and flees the school. He is later
apprehended in his home when the principal is able to identify him through the school’s video surveillance.
38. Adam is certain that he is not old enough to get in trouble for the crime of attempted murder. His lawyer explains to
him that there is a conclusive presumption of incapacity for a child under age ____ and that he is legally allowed to be
charged for these crimes.
a
Classifying Crimes
CASE 4.1
ITCJ.SIWO.16.4.4 – Describe how crimes are classified.
Bloom’s: Apply