CRW2601_General Principles of Criminal Law_Comprehensive Summary

GENERAL PRINCIPLES OF
CRIMINAL LAW
CRW2601

,Table of Contents
Definitions .................................................................................................................................... 4
Learning Unit 1............................................................................................................................. 9
Introductory Topics ...................................................................................................................... 9
Learning Unit 2........................................................................................................................... 12
The Principles of Legality as Entrenched in the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996
.................................................................................................................................................. 12
Learning Unit 3........................................................................................................................... 17
The Act ...................................................................................................................................... 17
Learning Unit 4........................................................................................................................... 22
The Definitional Elements and Causation................................................................................... 22
Learning Unit 5........................................................................................................................... 28
Unlawfulness – Part A ................................................................................................................ 28
Learning Unit 6........................................................................................................................... 32
Unlawfulness – Part B ................................................................................................................ 32
Learning Unit 7........................................................................................................................... 37
Culpability and Criminal Capacity ............................................................................................... 37
Learning Unit 8........................................................................................................................... 40
Criminal Capacity – Mental Illness and Youth ............................................................................ 40
Learning Unit 9........................................................................................................................... 42
Intention – Part A ....................................................................................................................... 42
Learning Unit 10......................................................................................................................... 45
Intention – Part B ....................................................................................................................... 45
Learning Unit 11......................................................................................................................... 47
Negligence ................................................................................................................................. 47
Learning Unit 12......................................................................................................................... 50
The Effect of Intoxication and Provocation on Liability................................................................ 50
Learning Unit 13......................................................................................................................... 54
Disregard of the Requirement of Culpability and the Criminal Liability of Corporate Bodies ....... 54
Learning Unit 14......................................................................................................................... 57
Participation – Part A ................................................................................................................. 57
Learning Unit 15......................................................................................................................... 60
Participation – Part B ................................................................................................................. 60


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,Learning Unit 16......................................................................................................................... 63
Attempt, Conspiracy and Incitement........................................................................................... 63




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, Definitions
Aberratio Ictus: Accidental deviation of an act or blow that causes
unintended harm.

Accomplice: Person who assists or facilitates the commission
of a crime by the principal offender.

Act (Commission): Positive conduct or act performed by a person that
is prohibited by law.

Actio Libera in Causa: Liability for a criminal act committed while
incapacitated, where the incapacity was voluntarily
induced by the accused.

Active Association: Participation in criminal activity through active
involvement in the common purpose.

Antecedent Liability: Liability arising from prior voluntary conduct that
leads to an involuntary criminal act.

Attempt: An act intended to commit a crime that goes
beyond mere preparation but does not result in
the completion of the crime.

Automatism: Conduct performed without conscious control,
such as a reflex or involuntary movement.

Accessory After the Fact: Person who assists the offender after the
commission of a crime, with knowledge of the
crime, to evade justice.

Consent: Voluntary and informed agreement to conduct that
may otherwise constitute harm or a crime.

Corporate Criminal Liability: Liability of a juristic person (e.g., a company) for
criminal acts committed by its representatives in
the course of business.




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