Understanding Stages of Criminal Liability

Sep 1, 2024

Lecture Notes: Articles 6 to 10

Overview

  • Discussion on Articles 6 to 10 focusing on stages of execution, persons criminally liable, and types of conspiracy.
  • Emphasis on determining stages and liabilities to impose proper penalties.

Article 6: Stages of Execution

  • Consummated Felonies: All necessary elements for execution and accomplishment are present.
  • Frustrated Felonies: Attempted but not completed due to external intervention, not defendant's desistance.
  • Attempted Felonies: Commencement of commission without completion due to factors other than desistance.

Development of a Crime

  • Internal Acts: Not punishable; they include thoughts or intentions without external manifestation.
  • External Acts: Divided into preparatory acts (generally not punishable) and acts of execution (punishable).
    • Preparatory Acts: Not punishable unless a law specifies otherwise.
    • Acts of Execution: Punishable; include attempted, frustrated, and consummated stages.

Legal Concepts

  • Mens Rea & Actus Rea: Both a criminal mind and act must be present for liability.
  • Exception for minors (below 15) where criminal liability is not applicable under Juvenile Justice and Welfare Act.

Examples and Illustrations

  • Illustration 1: Husband intending to kill wife with insecticide - Not liable as preparatory act.
  • Illustration 2: Possession of picklocks - Liable due to illegal possession, not for attempted robbery.

Subjective and Objective Phases

  • Subjective Phase: Control over criminal act; desistance possible.
  • Objective Phase: Lack of control indicating frustration or consummation.

Conspiracy

  • Definition: Agreement and decision among two or more to commit a felony.
  • Legal Principles:
    • Mere conspiracy not punishable unless a law stipulates.
    • Act of one conspirator is the act of all.
  • Liability: Limited to crime conspired unless independent acts are committed.

Special Complex Crimes

  • Robbery with Homicide/Rape: Any death or rape during or after robbery leads to liability for all involved.

Types of Felonies

  • Grave: Punishable by capital or afflictive penalties.
  • Less Grave: Punishable by correctional penalties.
  • Light: Punishable only when consummated unless against persons/property.

Articles 7 to 10: Other Considerations

  • Classification and Penalties: Differentiation by severity and nature of crime.
  • RPC vs. SPL:
    • RPC crimes are mala in se (evil by nature).
    • SPL crimes are mala prohibita (prohibited by law).
  • General Rule for SPL: Offenses are consummated unless stated otherwise.

Mitigating and Aggravating Circumstances

  • Importance in determining penalties based on presence or absence of mitigating or aggravating factors.

Conclusion

  • Understanding stages, liability, and conspiracy aspects crucial for determining proper penalties in criminal cases. Articles 6 to 10 provide a framework for legal processes in crime adjudication.