Criminal Law & Procedures Flashcards
7 cards from real MPOETC practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Criminal Law & Procedures flashcards as text
Under Pennsylvania's Crimes Code, which offense involves entering a building with intent to commit a crime, but the building is NOT adapted for overnight accommodation?
Answer: Burglary
Pennsylvania burglary applies to entering any building or occupied structure with intent to commit a crime inside, regardless of whether it is adapted for overnight accommodation.
The 'good faith' exception to the exclusionary rule, established in United States v. Leon, applies when:
Answer: An officer acts in objectively reasonable reliance on a warrant later found to be defective
The good faith exception allows evidence obtained by officers who reasonably relied on a facially valid warrant that is later found to be defective.
In Pennsylvania, what offense is committed when a person knowingly receives stolen property intending to benefit from it?
Answer: Theft by receiving stolen property
Theft by receiving stolen property occurs when a person intentionally receives, retains, or disposes of movable property knowing it has been stolen.
When can a police officer arrest a person without a warrant for a misdemeanor in Pennsylvania?
Answer: When the officer has probable cause and the offense was committed in the officer's presence
In Pennsylvania, a warrantless misdemeanor arrest is generally permitted when the officer has probable cause and the offense was committed in the officer's presence.
Which doctrine holds that a third party who voluntarily shares information with another assumes the risk that the recipient may convey it to authorities?
Answer: Third-party doctrine
The third-party doctrine holds that information voluntarily shared with a third party carries no Fourth Amendment protection because the sharer assumes the risk of disclosure.
In a criminal case, what is the purpose of a 'preliminary hearing' in Pennsylvania?
Answer: To determine if sufficient evidence exists to hold the defendant for trial
A preliminary hearing determines whether the Commonwealth has established a prima facie case—sufficient evidence that a crime was committed and the defendant likely committed it.
Which Pennsylvania criminal offense involves using physical force on another person without consent, causing bodily injury?
Answer: Simple assault
Simple assault in Pennsylvania includes intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly causing bodily injury to another person.