The Elements of a Crime

According to criminal law—a subject I’ve had to become very familiar with as of late—four elements of a crime must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt to convict a defendant. Cue the Law and Order, dun dun.

Of course, I have them memorized.

• Element #1: Mental state. Was the criminal act voluntary or purposeful?
• Element #2: Conduct. Did a criminal act or an unlawful omission of an act occur?
• Element #3: Concurrence. Did the intent and criminal act occur at the same time?
• Element #4: Causation. Did the intent and conduct of the accused lead to the crime?

All of this complex legal speak can really be broken down into just two simple factors—a guilty mind and a guilty act. Without these elements, a case can unravel. A case like mine. And should I ever get caught, it’s something I’m banking on.

After all, it’s a numbers game.