Street Law: A Course in Practical LawChapter 8:
Introduction to Criminal LawCases and ResourcesGeneral Considerations
State and Federal Crimes
Classes of Crimes
Parties to Crimes
Crimes of Omission
Preliminary Crimes General Considerations
Criminal Law: An Overview
Read a general overview of criminal law from the Legal Information Institute. Criminal laws are broken down into smaller parts. Each part is an element of a crime. Which federal agencies are involved with criminal law? Model Jury Instructions: Elements of Crime (New Jersey)
Are you curious about the elements of a crime? The New Jersey Judiciary has prepared jury instructions for criminal trials. Scroll down to select a crime to explore and read the jury instructions to determine what the government must prove when prosecuting. Back to Top State and Federal Crimes
Federal and State Criminal Codes
Analyze the federal criminal code as well as several state criminal codes and find crimes that are listed in both codes and crimes that are in only one code. Now compare your state criminal code to that of another state. What is the same? What is different? When a Crime Violates Both Federal and State Law: Congressman Ehrlich (R-MD)
When a crime violates both federal and state law, there can be confusion over in which court to prosecute a criminal. Read this interview with a member of Congress who advocates prosecuting criminals who use firearms in federal court, rather than state court, because federal punishments are tougher. Back to Top Classes of Crimes
Felony or Misdemeanor
Read an explanation of felonies and misdemeanors and how the punishments for these crimes can be different. After you read this explanation, explore the Law for Kids site for more information on crime. Back to Top Parties to Crimes
Liability of Different Parties
You may already know that the person who commits a crime will be punished, but other people connected to a crime may be punished as well. Read this description of the different parties to a crime to help you identify how people can be punished for their various roles in a crime. Back to Top Crimes of Omission
Child Neglect
A crime of omission arises from the failure to act. Child neglect is an example of such a crime. Read about the issue of child neglect and the impact this crime has on children. What duty do parents have to their children? How do you know when a parent is not fulfilling this duty? The Story of Sherrice Iverson
If there is no duty to act, there is no crime of omission. Some people support Good Samaritan Laws that would make it a crime not to help someone in need. Usually, you do not have a duty to help someone. Read the story of a young man who chose to not help a girl in need. Do you think what he did should be a crime? Back to Top Preliminary Crimes
Inchoate Crimes
Take a closer look at the crimes of solicitation, attempt, and conspiracy. How are these crimes described, and what elements are required for each? Scroll to the bottom of this description and read about the tough cases for these crimes. What is your opinion? Assassination Attempt on President Reagan
The attempted, but unsuccessful, assassination of President Ronald Reagan is an example of the crime of attempt. This news article retells the story of the crime. September 11 Conspirator?
It is alleged that Zacarias Moussaoui conspired with the other 19 hijackers and the terrorists involved in the September 11, 2001, attacks. Read the information provided and identify what acts might be considered conspiracy. Back to Top  | 
