What is the difference between factual impossibility and legal impossibility?

What will be an ideal response?


Factual impossibility occurs when a defendant possesses a criminal intent but the criminal act was prevented because of an extraneous factor. Factual impossibility is not recognized by the Model Penal Code and is not a valid defense. Legal impossibility, on the other hand, is an affirmative defense. It occurs when an individual mistakenly believes that he or she is acting illegally.

Criminal Justice

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If a question put to a witness in a trial may be incriminating, the witness must be informed of her Fifth Amendment privilege against self-incrimination

Indicate whether this statement is true or false.

Criminal Justice

While only one of a constellation of factors that increases a person’s potential of being a homicide victim, many researchers see _______ as a leading factor.

a. economic deprivation b. cognitive dissonance c. financial success d. significant education

Criminal Justice

What study is conducted by the Bureau of Justice statistics as a supplement to the National Crime Victimization Survey in which respondents are asked questions regarding recent experiences with police?

A. The Police–Public Contact Survey B. The National Law Enforcement Quality Survey C. The General Social Survey D. The National Police Survey

Criminal Justice

The prosecutor proceeds from a position of strength in plea bargaining.

Answer the following statement true (T) or false (F)

Criminal Justice