Criminal punishment may include execution, loss of liberty, government supervision (parole or probation), or fines.

They classify this act as a crime.

In a criminal case the state initiates the suit.

In a civil case the victim brings the suit.

They may incarcerate persons convicted of a crime.

V. SPEAKING

Exercise 1. A. Read the questions and discuss them in groups.

Q 1: What is the difference between criminal and civil law?

Q 2: Can an event be both a criminal and civil offence?

Q 3: Can being present at the scene of a crime make you guilty?

Q 4: What is the definition of "criminal trespass?"

Q 5: What exactly is the felony murder law?

Q 6: What exactly does the term "eluding a police officer" mean?

Q 7:1 was the victim of a hit and run. I located the offending vehicle and owner. What should I do to pursue this?

Q 8: I was involved in a hit and run accident but left the scene. Do I need an attorney to go to court with me?

B. Match the questions from part A with the answers (ATTENTION: the answers are given from the point of view of American legislation).

A: Felony murder means that all persons engaged in a felony are liable for murder if one of them kills a person during the crime.

The precise definition of felony murder varies from state to state. Generally, someone is liable for murder if, during the course of committing a serious felony with another person, someone other than one of the participants is killed.

A "serious felony" is one like arson, robbery, burglary, kidnapping, or rape.

In some states, it's a defense to felony murder if the defendant was unarmed and had no reason to believe that any of his co-conspirators was either armed or intended to engage in any conduct dangerous to life.

A: Civil law is concerned with relationships between individuals and is addressed in civil court. Criminal law pertains to the relationship between an individual and the state. Cases that are prosecuted are heard in criminal court.

A: Leaving the scene of an accident (hit and run) is a serious offense. In many states, it carries enough points to result in a revocation of your driving privileges. It also carries a possible fine and jail sentence. So, you should seek legal advice right away. A criminal defense attorney in your town can tell you what action is best to take, and whether you should have an attorney accompany you to court to speak for you and attempt a favorable resolution of the case for you.

A: If you're the victim of a hit and run accident, you should immediately report the accident to the police, and advise them that the driver left the scene without providing you with identification and insurance information. Ask the police to fill out a report. The report will likely be assigned a case number either immediately or within a few days.

Date: 2015-01-02; view: 1387