Criminal Law Court Cases

Front 1

U.S. v. Richardson (1988)

Back 1

defendant has no right to be placed in pre-trial diversion,
However:the government may not selectively prosecute a defendant based on arbitrary classifications such as race, religion, or the exercise of constitutional law

Front 2

Horn v. City of Montgomery (1993)

Back 2

void for vagueness and overbreadth- being somewhere you "shouldnt" be (sleeping in a parked car)

Front 3

Burton v. Livingston (1986)

Back 3

due process and equal protection draws line between power of government and security of the individual- line not fixed like a boundary, must be surveyed by each court in each case of including aspects such as the nature of the individual right, the relationship between the individual and the government, and the justification offered by the government for its conduct.

Front 4

In Re Winship (1970)

Back 4

reasonable doubt standard- proof beyond a reasonable doubt- moral force of criminal law not be diluted whether by a standard of proof that leaves people in doubt whether or not innocent men are being condemned.

Front 5

Peope v. Decina (1956)

Back 5

man experiences epileptic seizure while driving- kills four people charged with criminal negligence - knew he was subject to seizures, possessed KNOWLEDGE

Front 6

U.S. v. X-Citment Video, INC. (1994)

Back 6

pornography distributor unknowingly filmed minor, 9th circuit tried to hold X-Citement responsible anyways. USSC reversed decision and remanded 9th circuit

Front 7

Rocker v. State (1970)

Back 7

appearing nude on nude beach - river/well-known path cross beach- Ruling held that beach was so public that intent was present.

Front 8

People v. Arzon (1978)

Back 8

firefighter died putting out fire related to arson, death caused by 2nd fire in same building, unrelated to defendant. Defendant clearly still responsible for death of firefighter.

Front 9

U.S. v. Park (1975)

Back 9

supermarket chain charged with violations of the federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Acts, defendants job to "seek out and remedy violations when they occur"

Front 10

People v. Staples

Back 10

attempt- charged with attempted burglary; the order was affirmed.

Front 11

State v. Lee

Back 11

solicitation- completed communication is required to prove the crime of the solicitation (letter mailed but not received is not completed solicitation)

Front 12

U.S. v. Cartlidge

Back 12

aiding and abetting- bribed and attempted to aid and abet in the distribution of marijuana- activities showed that Cartlidge had moved beyond preparation, they were substantial steps strongly corroborative of criminal intent.

Front 13

Booth v. State

Back 13

legal impossibility- accepted stolen property, but not really stolen since property recovered by police is no longer considered stolen property.

Front 14

Smallwood v. State

Back 14

defendant convicted of attempted murder of 3 rape victims for sexually assaulting them without using a condom.

Front 15

Pace v. State

Back 15

appellant convicted of aiding and abetting a robbery, appellant said nothing during duration of robbery- judgment reversed.