STUDENT REPLY

Criminal Responsibility and the Criminal Justice Field

THIS IS THE PROFESSOR POST TO THE CLASS

Modern law requires the courts to distinguish between those who are criminally responsible at various levels, in order to dictate the appropriate punishment. The offender’s mental state at the time is a key indicator for judging culpability. Thus, intent—or the presence of a goal or objective preceding the crime—takes on a large role in the work of criminal justice professionals, from law enforcement to the legal team.

For this Discussion, you analyze how knowledge about criminal responsibility under the law is especially important for criminal justice professionals, based on a current example.

To prepare:

In this Discussion, your Instructor may post a contemporary news story or other current example where a crime has occurred, or you may find your own story.

Read the Instructor’s posted contemporary crime story or refer to a story that you research.

Criminal Responsibility and the Criminal Justice Field

THIS IS MY POST FROM THE QUESTION ASK FROM THE PROFESSOR

A woman and a man were too close to each other. They met not long ago, and the man seems to be kind since he’s friendly, helpful, and compassionate. However, as the friendship became stronger and closer, the man started showing possessiveness towards the woman. Having no idea that the man was actually suffering a mental illness since he seems fine, the woman decided to pursue a more intimate relationship with him. After a few weeks, the man sees the woman talking and laughing with one of his male friends which is also her coworker, the man then went to the woman’s apartment first and waited for her to arrive home. Upon arriving, the man stabbed the woman in almost all parts of her body due to his jealousy and anger.

Explanation:

In the story, a crime occurred wherein the mentally incapable man killed his girlfriend due to jealousy and anger. The man may have problems with his mental capacity; however, the act is still considered a crime.

STUDENT REPLY BACK TO ME FROM MY POST

STUDENT JENNA STEELE

Hey Jennifer.

Great effort on the discussion this week. This story is tragic, and unfortunately, crimes like this happen very often. What aspect of the crime determines Mens Rea, and how do we determine it from the story you just wrote about?