Go online and use a search engine (e.g., Google) to find the Arizona Revised Statutes webpage (Links to
an external site.), and click on “Title 13 – Criminal Code.” Or use this link to the Title 13 – Criminal Code
(Links to an external site.).
Browse through the code’s chapters of crimes, or use the “search” feature to search for particular
crimes.
Choose a crime that interests you — You may select any crime listed within the state code’s Chapter 10 –
Preparatory Offenses through Chapter 36 – Family Offenses.
Step 1. Post your response with the following :
First, review the language in the statute you chose, paying attention to the words that make up the
“elements” of the crime. (The elements of a crime are a key topic in Chapter 9 of the textbook.) Then
identify the crime’s
“actus reus” element from the statute’s language and discuss whether or not the crime also requires a
“mens rea” element. Explain how you know you’ve identified these elements correctly (or why one or
more are absent).
Second, consider the five main justifications for criminal punishment, discussed in Chapter 10. For
persons that commit your selected crime, which justification should generally guide the sentencing
decisions for that crime?
Why do you select that single justification over the others?
Demonstrate written communication skills by using complete paragraphs, accurate grammar, and proper
mechanics.
Sample Solution
