Learning Objectives

After you have read this chapter:

1. You will understand the four mens rea states to establish the defendant’s “guilty mind.”
2. You will be able to explain the legal basis for volitional actus reus, the “guilty act.”
3. You will competently discuss the elements of “causation” to assign criminal responsibility.
4. You will know the common law differences between principals and accessories.
5. You will understand the elements of inchoate crimes, such as solicitation, conspiracy, and attempt.