Criminal law

18 important questions on Criminal law

Types of voluntary manslaughter

1. Malice aforethought
2. diminished responsibility
3. provocation

R v Tandy [1989] - intoxication and diminished responsibility

mother discovered husband had been abusing daughter, drank a bottle of vodka, strangled daughter killing her. Convicted of murder

To reply on diminished responsibility you have to demonstrate? - s.52 of the Coroners and Justice Act 2009 

1. An abnormality of mental functioning caused by recognised medical condition.
2. Provides an explanation for the defendant’s acts or omissions in being party to the killing.
3. Which substantially impaired his/her mental ability to either:
a) Understand the nature of their conduct
b) Form a rational judgement
c) Exercise self–control
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R v Byrne (1960) - diminished responsibility - Abnormality of the mental functioning

appellant murdered a girl staying in a hostel, He mutilated her body,he was suffering from irresistible impulses which he was unable to control.Convicted of manslaughter

Three elements of involuntary manslaughter (constructive manslaughter)

1. There must be an unlawful act


2. The unlawful act must be dangerous


3. The unlawful dangerous act must cause death 

R v Fenton (1830) - involuntary manslaughter

Defendant threw some stones down a mine shaft, caused scaffolding to collapse and resulted in death of some miners.

Held: The tort of trespass was sufficient to constitute an unlawful act for the purposes of constructive manslaughter.

R v Lamb [1967] - unlawful act in involuntary manslaughter

Two boys were playing with a revolver, 2 bullets in the chamber but neither were opposite the barrel, so didn't think it would fire,one of them pulled trigger killing other boy, wasn't guilty of unlawful manslaughter

Andrews v DPP [1937] - unlawful acts in manslaughter

appellant drove a van above the speed limit and overtook another car. As he did so he struck a pedestrian and killed him.

Held ;manslaughter

R v Larkin (1942) - Dangerous in manslaughter

appellant waved a razor about intending to frighten his mistress's lover. He claimed his drunk mistress, blundered against the razor and was killed when it cut her throat.

Held; involuntary manslaughter

Actus Reus of Rape

Penetration of the vagina, anus or mouth of another personWith the penisLack of consent by the victim

Elbekkay[1995] - sexual offences

Where the defendant impersonates someone (usually a husband, fiance or boyfriend) in order to have sexual intercourse with the victim, there is a conclusive presumption that he victim did not consent.

Bree [2007] - sexual offences

A drunken consent is still consent

Larter and Castleton [1995] - sexual offences

The victim cannot consent to intercourse if they are asleep/unconscious

Mens Rea of Rape - sexual offences

1. Intent to penetrate the victim's vagina, anus or mouth
2. Lack of reasonable belief in the victim's consent

R v B (2006) - sexual offences

A defendant's failure to disclose his status as HIV positive did not affect the issue of consent in relation to a charge of rape

DPP v Morgan [1976] - sexual offences

The three appellants were convicted of rape following a violent attack. Been out drinking, invited them back to his house to have sex with his wife while he watched. Told them his wife consented,made it clear she didn't, she sustained physical injuries requiring hospital treatment

R v Woods (1982) - sexual offences

The appellant committed rape whilst intoxicated. He sought to rely on the defence of intoxication. rape is one of basic intent and therefore defence of intoxication was not open to the appellant.

Self defence - triggering conditions

1. necessity - faced with imminent attack, no choice but to defend yourself
2. reasonableness - response was proportionate

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