Question 1

The actus reus of trespassing is satisfied when a person only enters another's private property without permission.

Accepted Answer

The actus reus of trespassing can also be satisfied if a person remains on the property after being asked to leave, not just by entering without permission.

Question 2

The U.S. Supreme Court issued a statement that the First Amendment permits a state to outlaw cross-burnings done with the intent to intimidate because burning a cross is a particularly virulent form of intimidation.

Accepted Answer

The U.S. Supreme Court did indeed issue such a statement in the case Virginia v. Black, 538 U.S. 343 (2003).

Question 3

The Model Penal Code defines the actus reus of arson as, simply, starting a fire or causing an explosion.

Accepted Answer

The Model Penal Code does indeed define the actus reus of arson as starting a fire or causing an explosion.

Question 4

If a disgruntled former Wal-Mart employee decided to set a distribution warehouse on fire, that employee would be subjected to federal prosecution because doing so would likely affect the company's ability to ship products around the country.

Accepted Answer

Setting a distribution warehouse on fire would likely have a significant impact on Wal-Mart's ability to distribute products, which would likely trigger federal prosecution.

Question 5

What major issue arises during a typical cybercrime investigation?

Accepted Answer

Jurisdiction can be a major issue in cybercrime investigations as the crime may involve multiple jurisdictions at national and international levels, creating complexity in terms of legal frameworks, jurisdictional boundaries, and cooperation between law enforcement agencies. The identification of the victim and suspect, as well as the age of the victim may also be important but are typically not major issues in the investigation process.

Question 6

Trespassing in the State of Texas is considered to be a specific intent offense.

Accepted Answer

Trespassing in the State of Texas is generally considered a general intent offense, meaning the person must intentionally or knowingly enter or remain on property without effective consent, but does not need to have the specific intent to commit any further crime.

Question 7

The New Ipswich Sheriff in New Hampshire filed criminal trespass on an illegal alien based on the New Hampshire statute that defines criminal trespass as a person being guilty of criminal trespass if, knowing that he is not licensed or privileged to do so, he enters or remains in any place. This is an example of creative use of trespassing statutes.

Accepted Answer

The scenario describes a law enforcement officer using a trespassing statute to file charges against an illegal alien who entered or remained in a place without license or privilege, which creatively applies the statute to the situation.

Question 8

The Texas criminal mischief statute covers actions that could be considered vandalism.

Accepted Answer

The Texas criminal mischief statute includes actions such as damaging, defacing, or destroying property, which are all forms of vandalism.

Question 9

According to the FBI, what is the weakest link that malicious computer hackers rely upon to gain access to personal information?

Accepted Answer

The FBI states that people are the weakest link that malicious computer hackers rely upon to gain access to personal information. This is because hackers use social engineering techniques to trick people into divulging sensitive information or clicking on malicious links.

Question 10

Hacking refers to a person breaking into computer systems with the intent to alter or modify settings.

Accepted Answer

Hacking involves unauthorized access and manipulation of computer systems, networks, and data with malicious intent.

Question 11

Cybercriminals may seek to corrupt data; disrupt equipment; threaten system reliability; disseminate viruses, worms, or malware; launch botnets; steal sensitive information; and otherwise cause widespread havoc.

Accepted Answer

Cybercriminals can engage in various malicious activities that can corrupt data, disrupt equipment, steal sensitive information, launch botnets, and cause widespread damage.

Question 12

A person with the intent to destroy the American monetary system hacks into the U.S. Mint computer system to purposefully destroy the software used to print new $100 bills? What crime may be charged against that person?

Accepted Answer

Cyberterrorism is the use of computers and the internet to carry out violent acts that aim to create fear and panic in the minds of people. In this scenario, the person's intent is to destroy the American monetary system, which may have severe economic consequences and cause fear and panic among the public. Therefore, the person may be charged with cyberterrorism.

Question 13

Where can one locate most of the latest federal cybercrime information?

Accepted Answer

The Computer Fraud and Abuse Act (CFAA) is the primary federal law covering most cybercrime offenses in the United States. It prohibits various computer-related activities, including hacking, distributing malware, and trafficking in stolen passwords. The CFAA is regularly updated to address new forms of cybercrime, making it the best choice for locating most of the latest federal cybercrime information. The other options, CCFA and CATA, are not actual federal laws.

Question 14

The intentional burning of an occupied dwelling that leads to loss of life could result not just in an arson prosecution, but also one for aggravated assault.

Accepted Answer

The intentional burning of an occupied dwelling that leads to loss of life could result in charges more severe than aggravated assault, such as manslaughter or murder, depending on the jurisdiction and circumstances.

Question 15

Although a felony offense, burglary is not considered that serious of a crime because most burglaries do not endanger human life.

Accepted Answer

Burglary is considered a serious crime, as it involves illegal entry into someone's home or private property with the intention to commit a crime. It may also lead to the loss of valuable possessions, damage to property, and cause emotional distress to the victims.

Question 16

Many states classify arson into degrees, one being New York, which uses four degrees of arson ranging from the least to the most serious.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Many states classify arson into degrees, one...

Question 17

Vandalism and criminal mischief are always considered two separate crimes instead of one being a form of the other.

Accepted Answer

Vandalism is often considered a form of criminal mischief, as both involve the deliberate destruction or damage to property, but the specific terminology and legal distinctions can vary by jurisdiction.

Question 18

Like criminal trespassing, burglary is concerned with property invasion, but also includes the intent to commit a felony.

Accepted Answer

Burglary involves the act of unlawfully entering a building or dwelling with the intention to commit a crime, typically theft. It differs from criminal trespassing in that the intent to commit a felony or other serious crime is present.

Question 19

InState v. Pigott, the Supreme Court of North Carolina affirmed the decision, but remanded the case for a new sentencing hearing in regards to a sentencing error.

Accepted Answer

The statement accurately reflects the outcome of State v. Pigott. The North Carolina Supreme Court upheld the conviction but determined that there was an error in the sentencing, resulting in a remand for a new sentencing hearing.

Question 20

So long as it does not include intentional burning or exploding, almost any form of damage, defacement, or destruction of property qualifies as criminal destruction.

Accepted Answer

The answer of So long as it does not include...

Quiz 10: Property Damage and Invasion