Criminal Law Fundamentals and Oklahoma Criminal Code Overview
Domain 7 tests basic criminal-law vocabulary and the ability to match facts to elements. Oklahoma's Criminal Code is in Title 21 of the Oklahoma Statutes, with related provisions elsewhere.
Core rules
- A crime generally requires a voluntary act or omission, the required mental state, causation, and the elements listed in the statute. Know the difference between felony and misdemeanor.
- Do not label a crime from a nickname. Identify the elements: for example, robbery is taking property by force or fear; theft is taking without that force; burglary is unlawful entry into a structure with intent to commit a crime inside.
- Assault and battery are separate concepts: assault is an attempt or offer, battery is unlawful physical contact.
- Guards observe and report. They do not give legal advice, decide guilt, or charge offenses; police and prosecutors do.
Worked example
A person pushes a shopper and takes her phone. Reasoning: the push supplies force, so the facts fit robbery, not simple theft. If the phone was left unattended and taken, theft is the better fit. If the person entered a closed shed to steal tools, burglary may apply. The report should state the push, the taking, and the intent facts observed, not just the legal label.
Traps
Calling every taking theft, saying burglary requires damage, assuming intent without facts, and confusing civil disputes with crimes. Match facts to elements.