Law. Police. Society (Право. Полиция. Общество). Часть III. Учебное пособие по английскому языку

Glossary to the text “Criminal Law” (II) by virtue of — посредством, в соответствии с … contravene — нарушать, идти вразрез, противоречить discoverable — поддающийся обнаружению, проверке discretion — право усмотрения

embody — воплощать, содержать explicitly — ясно, однозначно inherent — неотъемлемый

insofar — до такой степени, в такой мере

Necessary and Proper Clause — статья Конституции США, уполномочивающая Конгресс издавать все необходимые законы

plainly — ясно, четко, отчетливо, очевидным образом prosecution — судебное преследование, обвинение reasonably — разумно, мотивированно, достоверно substantive criminal law — материальное уголовное право vagueness — нечеткость, расплывчатость, неясность void — не имеющий юридической силы

Task 11. Answer the questions to the text “Criminal Law” (II):

1.What is Criminal Law?

2.What does Criminal Procedure describe?

3.How can you define a felony, a misdemeanor and a violation?

4.What power does the US Congress have?

5.When may the statute be declared void for vagueness?

Task 12. Think about the Criminal Law of the USA, Great Britain and Russia. Try to find some information about it in the textbooks or Internet. Compare the Criminal Law of these countries. Write down your ideas and discuss them with your group-mates.

Task 13. Read the texts C and D for additional information. Text C “Actus Reus”

Actus reus is a criminal act. Most crimes have two components: mens rea (or intent) and actus reus (action). Both intent and action are normally required to find a person guilty of a crime under US Criminal Law doctrines.

This term is Latin, and means “the guilty act”. Actus reus, by definition, means that there must be an action or physical movement. In other words, it is the overt physical action that makes a person liable for a crime. This is always required in the United States for the commission of a crime, since a person cannot be found guilty of thinking criminal thoughts or wishing that a crime would take place.

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Common law defines an act as a voluntary or involuntary bodily movement. Nevertheless, under the Model Penal Code, which has been adopted in whole or in part into the criminal law of many US states, the act must be voluntary. It excludes from punishment acts that are caused by a reflex or convulsion, acts that occurred while unconscious or asleep, acts that occurred under hypnosis, and other bodily movements that are not intended by the actor. These exclusions protect a person from being found guilty of a crime based on action that was not under his or her control.

The concept of actus reus is derived from English common law. Under these principles, an act alone did not make a person guilty of committing a crime — both the illegal action and the illegal intent were required. These principles are important, since a person must both intend to commit a crime and actually take steps toward committing the crime in order to be guilty in the eyes of the law.

An act doesn't necessarily have to be a physical action, but can also be an omission or the act of possessing something. For example, if a person is required to act under the law and fails to do so, the failure can be what is required for a crime. Voluntarily being in possession of an illegal substance, such as a drug, can also be considered an “action”.

Under certain circumstances, an act can be made criminal because of the intent behind it. For example, mailing a letter is normally not a criminal action, but if the letter is mailed as part of conspiracy to commit fraud, it can become an illegal action, and constitute the actus reus for the crime.

Text D “Mens Rea”

Most crimes require what attorneys refer to as “mens rea”, which is simply Latin for a “guilty mind”. In other words, what a defendant was thinking and what the defendant intended when the crime was committed matters. Mens rea allows the criminal justice system to differentiate between someone who did not mean to commit a crime and someone who intentionally set out to commit a crime. To give an example, imagine two drivers who end up hitting and killing a pedestrian. Driver 1 never saw the person until it was too late, tried his or her best to brake, but could do nothing to stop the accident and in fact ended up killing the pedestrian. Driver 1 is still liable, but likely only in civil court for monetary damages. Driver 2, on the other hand, had been out looking for the pedestrian and upon seeing him, steered towards him, hit the gas pedal and slammed into him, killing him instantly. Driver 2 is probably criminally liable because he intended to kill the pedestrian, or at least he intended to cause serious bodily harm. Even though the pedestrian is killed in both scenarios (the outcome is the same), the intent of both drivers

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was very different and their punishments will be substantially different as a result.

Mens rea is a criminal intent. The state of mind indicating culpability which is required by statute as an element of a crime. However, for strict liability crimes, state of mind as to at least one element of the crime is irrelevant.

Mens rea is the mental component of criminal liability. To be guilty of most crimes, a defendant must have committed the criminal act in a certain mental state (the mens rea). The mens rea of robbery, for example, is the intent to permanently deprive the owner of his property.

III. Listening

Task 1. Listen to the text “Criminal Justice Careers for Women” and tell about:

—Careers for Women in Criminal Justice;

—Law Enforcement Careers;

—Careers in Criminology;

—Forensic and Crime Analysts.

IV. Speaking

Task 1. Give your understanding of the two Latin terms “actus reus” and “mens rea”.

Task 2. Give an example of a recent criminal case well-known from mass media. Tell about it to your group-mates.

V. Writing

Task 1. Write an essay about:

—different types of crimes;

—a body of crime;

—actus reus;

—mens rea.

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UNIT 5

INTERNATIONAL LAW

STARTING UP

Task 1. Read the definitions of the term “International Law”. What definition do you consider the most adequate one? Why?

1.International Law is the set of rules generally regarded and accepted as binding in relations between states and between nations. It serves as a framework for the practice of stable and organized international relations. International Law differs from state-based legal systems in that it is primarily applicable to countries rather than to private citizens (Wikipedia).

2.International Law is the body of customs, principles, and rules recognized as effectively binding legal obligations by sovereign states and other international actors. International Law stems from three main sources: treaties and international conventions, customs and customary usage, and the generally accepted principles of law and equity (Encyclopedia of American Foreign Policy. 2002. Joyner, Christopher C.).

3.Body of legal rules, norms, and standards that apply between sovereign states and other entities that are legally recognized as international actors. The term was coined by the English philosopher Jeremy Bentham. Important elements of International Law include sovereignty, recognition (which allows a country to honour the claims of another), consent (which allows for modifications in international agreements to fit the customs of a country), freedom of the high seas, self-defense (which ensures that measures may be taken against illegal acts committed against a sovereign country), freedom of commerce, and protection of nationals abroad (Britannica Concise Encyclopedia).

Task 2. Think about these questions:

1.What happens if there is disagreement between two countries?

2.Who makes international laws?

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LANGUAGE ACTIVITIES

I. Grammar Review. Use of Tenses in Adverbial Clauses of Time and Condition. Future: tenses after if and when.

Use of Tenses in Adverbial Clauses of Time and Condition (Употребление времен в придаточных предложениях времени и условия)

В придаточных предложениях времени и условия используется настоящее время вместо будущего, например:

В придаточных предложениях времени и условия Future Indefinite (Simple) заменяется на Present Indefinite (Simple), Future Continuous (Progressive) — на Present Continuous (Progressive), Future Perfect — на Present Perfect, например:

Future: tenses after if and when (Употребление настоящего и будущего времени после союзов if и when в предложениях разного типа)

Времена Present используются в придаточных предложениях, которые отвечают на вопрос «когда» или «при каком условии». Если придаточные предложения начинаются с союзов if и when, но отвечают на другие вопросы, например, «что», то в них используются времена

Future.

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She doesn’t know when I will apprehend the robber (дополнение). — Она не знает, когда я задержу грабителя.

I will interrogate the robber if I appre- I don’t know if I will apprehend the hend him (обстоятельство усло- robber (дополнение). — Я не знаю, вия). — Я допрошу грабителя, если задержу ли я грабителя.

я задержу его.

If I apprehend the robber, I will interrogate him (обстоятельство условия). — Если я задержу грабителя, я допрошу его.

Task 1. Read and translate the following sentences into Russian paying attention to the use of tenses in adverbial clauses of time and condition.

1. I will help you when I finish my work. 2. He will send evidence to the crime laboratory when he returns from the crime scene. 3. When she goes to London, she will try to visit the British Parliament. 4. I’ll make a report after you give me all the necessary information. 5. Call me if you are free tomorrow. 6. I‘ll go home after I have read the scientific article about a crime scene search. 7. The question is when he will be able to catch a suspect. 8. I don’t know if I will become a colonel of police. 9. He will do his best to solve this theft if he gets the criminal’s fingerprints. 10. As soon as you are ready, tell me about it. 11. When he comes, ask him questions about his strange neighbor. 12. If she doesn’t tell us everything, we won’t solve this murder.

Task 2. Complete the sentences using “will” and a present tense.

1. You (find) interesting things wherever you (go). 2. The police (give) much money to anybody who (find) this dangerous criminal. 3. When I (have) time, I (write) a message to you. 4. As soon as I (arrive) I (phone) her. 5. ( you stay) here until the plane (take) off? 6. Whether I (win) or not, I (have) a good time. 7. It (be) interesting to see whether she (recognize) him. 8. I (go) wherever you (go). 9. When I (come) back, I (call) you. 10. When he (finish) his work, he (be) free. 11. If I (see) him tomorrow, I (ask) him about the burglary. 12. He (go) there if he (be) not invited.

II. Reading

Text A

Task 1. Read the text “International Law”. Find the definition of International Law. Do you know anything about Private and Public Interna-

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tional Law? Try to understand the difference between them from the text.

International Law

Traditionally, International Law consisted of rules and principles governing the relations and dealings of nations with each other, though recently, the scope of international law has been redefined to include relations between states and individuals, and relations between international organizations.

Public International Law, concerns itself only with questions of rights between several nations or nations and the citizens or subjects of other nations. In contrast, Private International Law deals with controversies between private persons, natural or juridical, arising out of situations having significant relationship to more than one nation.

In recent years the line between public and private International Law has become increasingly uncertain. Issues of Private International Law may also implicate issues of Public International Law, and many matters of Private International Law have substantial significance for the international community of nations.

International Law includes the basic, classic concepts of law in national legal systems — status, property, obligation, and tort (or delict). It also includes substantive law, procedure, process and remedies. International Law is rooted in acceptance by the nation states which constitute the system. The following are major substantive fields of International Law: International economic law, International security law, International criminal law, International environmental law, Diplomatic law, International humanitarian law or law of war, International human rights law.

Customary Law and Conventional Law are primary sources of International Law. Customary International Law results when states follow certain practices generally and consistently out of a sense of legal obligation. Recently the Customary Law was codified in the Vienna Convention on the Law of Treaties.

Conventional International Law derives from international agreements and may take any form that the contracting parties agree upon. Agreements may be made in respect to any matter except to the extent that the agreement conflicts with the rules of International Law incorporating basic standards of international conduct or the obligations of a member state under the Charter of the United Nations. International agreements create law for the parties of the agreement. They may also lead to the creation of Customary International Law when they are intended for adherence generally and are in fact widely accepted.

Customary Law and law made by international agreement have equal authority as International Law. Parties may assign higher priority to one of

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the sources by agreement. However, some rules of International Law are recognized by international community as peremptory, permitting no derogation. Such rules can be changed or modified only by a subsequent peremptory norm of International Law.

General principles common to systems of national law is a secondary source of International Law. There are situations where neither Conventional nor Customary International Law can be applicable. In this case a general principle may be invoked as a rule of International Law because it is a general principle common to the major legal systems of the world and not inappropriate for international claims.

Glossary to the text “International Law” acceptance — принятие, прием, одобрение

adherence — приверженность, верность, строгое соблюдение agreement — соглашение, договор, согласие, договоренность assign — придавать, приписать, присваивать

be intended for… — быть предназначенным для… be rooted in… — пускать корни, укореняться в… charter — хартия, устав

claim — претензия, исковое требование, иск

concern oneself with… — интересоваться, касаться, беспокоиться consistently — последовательно, неизменно, неуклонно

Conventional Law —договорное право, право, основанное на договорах

Customary Law — обычное право

dealing —торговые дела, сделки, деловые отношения

derogation — частичная отмена (закона), умаление (прав), послабление in contrast — в отличие от этого, для сравнения, напротив

in recent years — в последние годы

in respect to… — что касается (чего-либо), применительно к..., если речь идет о…

inappropriate — нецелесообразный, неуместный, неприемлемый incorporate — включать, соединять, объединять

invoke — применять (норму, статью, оговорку, прецедент), ссылаться на legal obligation — правовая обязанность, правовое обязательство natural person — физическое лицо

party — сторона (также юр.)

peremptory — безоговорочный, окончательный, категоричный remedy — средство судебной защиты, путь решения проблемы sense — чувство, ощущение, восприятие, сознание significant — важный, существенный, значительный

source — источник

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subsequent — резолютивный, добавочный, дополнительный substantial — существенный, важный, значительный substantive law — материальное право

to the extent that… — до такой степени, что…; при условии, что… tort — нарушение законных прав, гражданское правонарушение, деликт treaty — договор, международный договор

uncertain — неясный, точно не известный, неопределенный

Task 2. Pay attention to the negative prefixes. Read and translate the followng pairs of words. Make up sentences with some of these words.

Certain — uncertain; appropriate — inappropriate; natural — unnatural; agreement — disagreement; significant — insignificant; legal — illegal; substantial —unsubstantial; consistent — inconsistent.

Task 3. Make up word combinations and translate them into Russian:

Task 4. Find in the text English equivalents to the following word combinations:

нормы права и принципы; деловые отношения стран друг с другом; включать отношения между государствами и отдельными гражданами; публичное международное право; касается только вопросов; между несколькими странами или странами и гражданами; частные, физические или юридические лица; возникающие из ситуаций; в последние годы; линия (граница) между публичным и частным международным правом стала более неопределенной; международное содружество наций; основные классические понятия права; частная собственность, обязательство и гражданское правонарушение; которые составляют систему; международное экологическое право; международное гуманитарное право; международное законодательство о правах человека; главные источники; государства следуют определенному установленному порядку действий; из сознания правовой обязанности; Венская конвенция о праве международных договоров; договорное международное право происходит из международных соглашений; применительно к любому вопросу; соглашение противоречит нормам международного права; Устав ООН; стороны (участники) соглашения; предназначены для строгого соблюдения; равная

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правомочность; некоторые нормы международного права признаются международным сообществом как безоговорочные; второстепенный источник международного права; ни договорное, ни обычное международное право; неприемлемый для международных исков.

Task 5. Match the words (1–6) with the definitions (A–F):

1. ____ charter; 2. ____ remedy; 3. ____ source;

4. ____tort; 5. ____party; 6. ____treaty.

A.one of the persons or sides in a legal agreement or dispute;

B.place from which smth comes or is got; original documents;

C.method of , smth used for, putting right smth that is wrong;

D.private or civil wrong;

E.formal agreement made and signed between nations;

F.(written or printed statement of ) rights, permission to do smth, esp from a ruler or government (e.g. to a town, city or university).

Task 6. What statements are true (T) and what are false (F)?

1.Public International Law applies to multinational companies.

2.Customary and Conventional Law are both sources of law.

3.Customary Law is based on international treaties and agreements.

4.Customary Law and law made by international agreement don’t have equal authority as International Law.

5.General principles common to systems of national law is a secondary source of International Law.

Task 7. Answer the questions to the text “International Law”:

1.What did International Law traditionally consist of ?

2.What questions does Public International Law concern itself with?

3.What does Private International Law deal with?

4.What are the major substantive fields of International Law?

5.What are the primary sources of International Law?

6.What does Conventional International Law derive from?

7.How can peremptory rules of International Law be changed or modified?

8.What is a secondary source of International Law?

Text B

Task 8. Read the text “International Law and the United Nations”. Divide it into logical parts. Entitle them.

International Law and the United Nations

The development of International Law is one of the primary goals of the United Nations. The Charter of the United Nations, in its Preamble, sets

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