NC BLET Elements of Criminal Law Questions And
Answers 2025/2026
State Of Mind - CORRECT ANSWER-Crimes are divided into those which require
specific intent-an explicit mental element of planning and preparation to commit a
criminal act, and the intended result, or those that require only general intent to
do an act which is defined as criminal in NC State law definition. Each crime has an
element of the state of mind necessary to commit a specific crime. Some statues
do not require a guilty mind or may only require criminal negligence.
Knowingly- State of Mind - CORRECT ANSWER-The person is consciously aware of
what they are doing. This may be subjective (the individual knows of an element
that makes their action criminal), objective (the individual should have known
their actions or an element of were illegal) or willful blindness( the individual
chose to remain ignorant of illegal activity)
Criminal Negligence - CORRECT ANSWER-"Culpable Negligence", or "Recklessness
or Carelessness," that shows a thoughtless disregard to the safety and rights of
others, "gross deviation from the standard of care expected of a reasonable
person that is manifest in a failure to protect others from a risk."
Maliciously- State Of Mind - CORRECT ANSWER-Done with hatred or spite,
inherently dangerous to human life and, done intentionally and without
justification.
,Wantonly- State of Mind - CORRECT ANSWER-Conscious and intentional disregard
or indifference towards the rights and safety of others
Strict Liability- State of Mind - CORRECT ANSWER-Crimes such as statutory rape do
not require a mental state such as knowingly or intentionally. The defendant may
be found guilty regardless of their state of mind as long as the necessary elements
are established.
Willfully- State of Mind - CORRECT ANSWER-Wrongful act that is done without
legal excuse or justification.
Intent - CORRECT ANSWER-Intent may be transferred when a defendant wishes to
harm one person, but his/her actions result in the harm of another person.
Bars to Prosecution - CORRECT ANSWER-A bar to prosecution prevents the State
from prosecuting an individual, not based on evidence or facts in the case, but
based on constitutional and statutory protections.
Ex:double jeopardy, lack of jurisdiction, or, expiration of statues of limitation, IN
NC: the Statues of limitations on MISDEMEANORS is 2 YEARS! There is NO LIMIT
on FELONIES
Defense - CORRECT ANSWER-a valid reason for committing a crime. (These fail
into several categories)
Defense that Justify - CORRECT ANSWER-Justify the action: Self-defense,
protection of others, necessity, or public authority.
, Defenses that Show Lack of Blameworthiness - CORRECT ANSWER-Insanity,
Entrapment, or Unconsciousness
Defense to Prosecution - CORRECT ANSWER-Failure of Proof, or negating defenses
such as: accident, mistake, or diminished capacity
Principals- Participants in Crimes - CORRECT ANSWER-Person committing the
entire crime. This person has the required state of mind and commits all of the
elements/necessary act of the crime charged
Aiding and Abetting - CORRECT ANSWER-When someone knowingly advises,
instigates, encourages, procures, or helps another person commit a crime, AND
their actions contribute to or cause the commission of the crime
Accessory Before the Fact to a Felony - CORRECT ANSWER-"Before a felony is
committed by another, he or she counsels, procures, commands, or knowingly
aids the other person to commit the felony,
The felony is committed by the other person,
He or she is not present when the other person commits the felony, and
His or her actions or statements caused or contributed to the commission to the
crime by the other person.
Chapter 7A - CORRECT ANSWER-Judicial Department
Chapter 7B - CORRECT ANSWER-Juvenile Code
Answers 2025/2026
State Of Mind - CORRECT ANSWER-Crimes are divided into those which require
specific intent-an explicit mental element of planning and preparation to commit a
criminal act, and the intended result, or those that require only general intent to
do an act which is defined as criminal in NC State law definition. Each crime has an
element of the state of mind necessary to commit a specific crime. Some statues
do not require a guilty mind or may only require criminal negligence.
Knowingly- State of Mind - CORRECT ANSWER-The person is consciously aware of
what they are doing. This may be subjective (the individual knows of an element
that makes their action criminal), objective (the individual should have known
their actions or an element of were illegal) or willful blindness( the individual
chose to remain ignorant of illegal activity)
Criminal Negligence - CORRECT ANSWER-"Culpable Negligence", or "Recklessness
or Carelessness," that shows a thoughtless disregard to the safety and rights of
others, "gross deviation from the standard of care expected of a reasonable
person that is manifest in a failure to protect others from a risk."
Maliciously- State Of Mind - CORRECT ANSWER-Done with hatred or spite,
inherently dangerous to human life and, done intentionally and without
justification.
,Wantonly- State of Mind - CORRECT ANSWER-Conscious and intentional disregard
or indifference towards the rights and safety of others
Strict Liability- State of Mind - CORRECT ANSWER-Crimes such as statutory rape do
not require a mental state such as knowingly or intentionally. The defendant may
be found guilty regardless of their state of mind as long as the necessary elements
are established.
Willfully- State of Mind - CORRECT ANSWER-Wrongful act that is done without
legal excuse or justification.
Intent - CORRECT ANSWER-Intent may be transferred when a defendant wishes to
harm one person, but his/her actions result in the harm of another person.
Bars to Prosecution - CORRECT ANSWER-A bar to prosecution prevents the State
from prosecuting an individual, not based on evidence or facts in the case, but
based on constitutional and statutory protections.
Ex:double jeopardy, lack of jurisdiction, or, expiration of statues of limitation, IN
NC: the Statues of limitations on MISDEMEANORS is 2 YEARS! There is NO LIMIT
on FELONIES
Defense - CORRECT ANSWER-a valid reason for committing a crime. (These fail
into several categories)
Defense that Justify - CORRECT ANSWER-Justify the action: Self-defense,
protection of others, necessity, or public authority.
, Defenses that Show Lack of Blameworthiness - CORRECT ANSWER-Insanity,
Entrapment, or Unconsciousness
Defense to Prosecution - CORRECT ANSWER-Failure of Proof, or negating defenses
such as: accident, mistake, or diminished capacity
Principals- Participants in Crimes - CORRECT ANSWER-Person committing the
entire crime. This person has the required state of mind and commits all of the
elements/necessary act of the crime charged
Aiding and Abetting - CORRECT ANSWER-When someone knowingly advises,
instigates, encourages, procures, or helps another person commit a crime, AND
their actions contribute to or cause the commission of the crime
Accessory Before the Fact to a Felony - CORRECT ANSWER-"Before a felony is
committed by another, he or she counsels, procures, commands, or knowingly
aids the other person to commit the felony,
The felony is committed by the other person,
He or she is not present when the other person commits the felony, and
His or her actions or statements caused or contributed to the commission to the
crime by the other person.
Chapter 7A - CORRECT ANSWER-Judicial Department
Chapter 7B - CORRECT ANSWER-Juvenile Code
