FE-1 Criminal Law

Question 1

Under Irish criminal law, what are the two essential elements that must be proved for most criminal offences?

Accepted Answer

Actus reus (guilty act) and mens rea (guilty mind)

Answer

Motive and opportunity

Answer

Confession and corroboration

Answer

Intent and premeditation

Question 2

What is the standard of proof in criminal proceedings in Ireland?

Accepted Answer

Beyond reasonable doubt

Answer

On the balance of probabilities

Answer

Clear and convincing evidence

Answer

Prima facie evidence

Question 3

Under the Criminal Justice (Theft and Fraud Offences) Act 2001, what is the offence of theft?

Accepted Answer

Dishonestly appropriating property without the consent of its owner with the intention of permanently depriving the owner of it

Answer

Taking any property belonging to another person

Answer

Borrowing property without permission

Answer

Finding lost property and not returning it

Question 4

What is the defence of self-defence under Irish criminal law?

Accepted Answer

A person may use reasonable force to protect themselves or others from an imminent threat of unlawful force

Answer

A person may use any level of force if they feel threatened

Answer

Self-defence only applies to physical attacks, not verbal threats

Answer

Self-defence is not available if the defendant started the altercation

Question 5

What is the role of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) in the Irish criminal justice system?

Accepted Answer

To decide whether to prosecute criminal cases and to direct prosecutions on indictment

Answer

To judge criminal cases in the Circuit Court

Answer

To investigate crimes alongside An Garda Síochána

Answer

To represent defendants who cannot afford legal representation

Question 6

Under Irish law, what is the difference between summary offences and indictable offences?

Accepted Answer

Summary offences are tried in the District Court without a jury; indictable offences are tried in higher courts, usually with a jury

Answer

Summary offences are more serious than indictable offences

Answer

Summary offences require a written indictment

Answer

Indictable offences can only be tried in the Supreme Court