Explain the differences between completed and incomplete criminal acts.
If you can explain the difference between complete and incomplete homework, you can explain the question you asked.
I need help in defining this question: Explain the differences between completed and incomplete criminal acts.
These sites have a definition of all sorts of completed criminal acts. Essentially civil proceedings are not criminal.
http://www.answers.com/topic/criminal-law
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Crime#Crime_types
To define and explain the differences between completed and incomplete criminal acts, we need to understand the basic concepts of criminal law and the stages involved in committing a crime.
A criminal act refers to any behavior that is prohibited by law and is punishable by the state. However, within the realm of criminal law, there are two main categories: completed criminal acts and incomplete criminal acts.
1. Completed Criminal Act:
A completed criminal act, also known as a substantive offense, refers to an offense that has been fully carried out or accomplished. This means that all the necessary elements required to constitute the crime have occurred, leading to the commission of the offense. Examples of completed criminal acts include murder, theft, assault, or fraud.
In the case of a completed criminal act, the defendant has successfully performed all the required actions, resulting in the harmful or illegal outcome specified by the law. The law recognizes the act as having been committed and holds the defendant accountable for their actions.
2. Incomplete Criminal Act:
In contrast, an incomplete criminal act, also known as an inchoate offense or an unfinished crime, refers to an offense that has been initiated but not yet fully carried out. It means that the defendant has taken some steps towards the commission of a crime but has not yet achieved the final objective.
There are three main types of incomplete criminal acts:
a) Attempt: An attempt occurs when an individual takes substantial steps toward committing a crime but fails to complete the crime for some reason. The key element here is the intent to commit the crime, coupled with a substantial step towards its completion. For example, if someone prepares to commit a burglary by gathering tools and entering a building but is caught before actually stealing anything, they can be charged with attempted burglary.
b) Solicitation: Solicitation involves encouraging, requesting, or commanding another person to commit a crime. The solicitor intends for the crime to occur, but the ultimate decision to commit the offense lies with the person being solicited. The crime of solicitation is committed even if the person solicited does not actually carry out the intended crime.
c) Conspiracy: Conspiracy refers to an agreement between two or more individuals to commit a crime. In a conspiracy, the parties involved plan and agree to pursue an illegal objective. The agreement itself is the criminal act, regardless of whether the crime is eventually committed. If the crime is successfully carried out, the individuals may also be charged with the completed offense.
It's important to note that incomplete criminal acts are still considered serious and punishable under the law. Even if the crime is not fully executed, the accused can still be prosecuted and face penalties based on the level of their involvement and intent.
In order to gain a more comprehensive understanding of criminal law and the specifics of completed and incomplete criminal acts, it would be beneficial to consult reputable resources such as legal textbooks, legal websites, or consult with a legal professional.