Crimes Mnemonics and Definitions

Mnemonics for substantive crimes are ordered with Inchoate Crimes first as they are the easiest to forget on
an exam.

They are also ordered to group related crimes together as much a possible and defenses are ordered to match torts defenses where they are the
same.

A Mnemonic is a device used to assist in memorizing lists of words. Memorizing the mnemonic assists in memory recall of the words represented. In this book, each letter of a mnemonic corresponds to the letter of a legal term. Recalling the mnemonic from memory takes less time than recall of an entire list of terms.

The mnemonics included in this book reference the important common law substantive legal terms that must be
discussed in criminal law exams including both the California First Year Law Student Exam and most State Bar Exams.

The purpose of the included mnemonic devices is to provide a quick check list so that every important issue will be discussed if relevant when taking an exam.

The corresponding definitions are based on common law principles and should be used as a starting point for a full understanding of each concept. Further research of the fine points of each rule will be necessary. Application of the law to factual situations is not addressed in this book, however spotting all relevant issues and the ability to recite the elements of each rule are both essential to proper legal analysis.