Learning Objectives

1. State why the criminal law punishes voluntary criminal acts and does not penalize thoughts or involuntary acts.

2. List some examples of involuntary acts.

3. Explain why it is unconstitutional to punish a defendant for a status or condition.

4. Describe when an individual may be held liable for an omission to act.

5. State the definition of possession and the differ­ence between actual and constructive possession.