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Structuring Criminal Codes To Perform Their Function, Paul H. Robinson
Structuring Criminal Codes To Perform Their Function, Paul H. Robinson
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This paper argues that criminal codes have two distinct functions. First, a code must ex ante announce the rules of conduct. Second, it must set out the principles of for adjudicating, ex post, violations of those rules. These two functions often are in tension with one another. Each calls for a different kind of code, addressed to a different audience, with different objectives: To be effective ex ante, the rules of conduct must be formulated in a way that they will be understood, remembered, and able to be applied in daily life by lay persons with a wide range of …
Making Criminal Codes Functional: A Code Of Conduct And A Code Of Adjudication, Paul H. Robinson, Peter D. Greene, Natasha R. Goldstein
Making Criminal Codes Functional: A Code Of Conduct And A Code Of Adjudication, Paul H. Robinson, Peter D. Greene, Natasha R. Goldstein
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A traditional criminal code performs several functions. It announces the law's commands to those whose conduct it seeks to influence. It also defines the rules to be used in deciding whether a breach of the law's commands will result in criminal liability and, if so, the grade or degree of liability. In serving the first function, the code addresses all members of the public. In performing the second function, it addresses lawyers, judges, jurors, and others who play a role in the adjudication process. In part because of these different audiences, the two functions call for different kinds of documents. …
A Functional Analysis Of Criminal Law, Paul H. Robinson
A Functional Analysis Of Criminal Law, Paul H. Robinson
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The criminal law has three primary functions. First, it must define and announce the conduct that is prohibited (or required) by the criminal law. Such rules of conduct, as they have been called, provide ex ante direction to members of the community as to the conduct that must be avoided (or that must be performed) upon pain of criminal sanction. This may be termed the rule articulation function of the doctrine. When a violation of the rules of conduct occurs, the criminal law takes on a different role. It must decide whether the violation merits criminal liability. This second function, …
Four Predictions For The Criminal Law Of 2043, Paul H. Robinson
Four Predictions For The Criminal Law Of 2043, Paul H. Robinson
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The Model Penal Code has all the markings of an historic document. It is a sophisticated and enlightened model for penal reform that has put the United States in the front row of reformers. And many believe that the likes of such an historic reform will not come again for more than another century. In my view, it can hardly be disputed that the Code is an historic document. It is less clear, however, that we should not expect a dramatically different code before another century.