CAS Bar Criminal Law

Question 1

How does California classify crimes?

Accepted Answer

As felonies, misdemeanors, and infractions, with some offenses classified as wobblers

Answer

Only as felonies and misdemeanors

Answer

As major and minor offenses only

Answer

All crimes are classified the same way

Question 2

What are the elements of burglary under California Penal Code Section 459?

Accepted Answer

Entry into a structure with the intent to commit theft or any felony

Answer

Breaking and entering at night only

Answer

Theft of property valued over $950

Answer

Entering with a weapon

Question 3

What is California's Three Strikes Law?

Accepted Answer

A sentencing enhancement that increases penalties for repeat offenders with prior serious or violent felony convictions

Answer

A law requiring three witnesses for any conviction

Answer

A rule about three chances before prosecution

Answer

A law that only applies to drug offenses

Question 4

What is Proposition 47's impact on California criminal law?

Accepted Answer

It reduced certain non-violent property and drug offenses from felonies to misdemeanors

Answer

It increased penalties for all crimes

Answer

It eliminated the death penalty

Answer

It only affected juvenile offenders

Question 5

What is the California felony murder rule?

Accepted Answer

A defendant can be convicted of murder if a death occurs during the commission of certain inherently dangerous felonies

Answer

Any death during any crime is automatically murder

Answer

The rule was completely abolished in California

Answer

It only applies to organized crime

Question 6

What rights do crime victims have under California's Marsy's Law?

Accepted Answer

The right to be heard at proceedings, to be notified of case status, and to restitution

Answer

No specific rights beyond testifying at trial

Answer

Only the right to file a civil lawsuit

Answer

Rights apply only in felony cases