Mistake and statutory mental states — MCQs

A courier agreed to deliver a sealed package for a regular customer. The customer said that the package contained business records, and nothing about the package suggested otherwise. Police stopped the courier and discovered cocaine inside. The jurisdiction's statute provides: “A person commits an offense by knowingly possessing a package containing a controlled substance.” The prosecution concedes that the courier intentionally carried the package but cannot prove that the courier knew or suspected that it contained cocaine. The courier moves for a judgment of acquittal. Which of the following best states the applicable rule?

Using only the supplied file and legal resources, draft a persuasive argument section supporting dismissal of the aggravated-assault charge. Explain the relationship between the first and second offenses, address the government's separate-sovereigns and mistrial arguments, and state the appropriate requested relief.

Police arrested a warehouse employee for a completed theft and brought her to a station interview room. Before any criminal charge or court appearance, officers gave complete Miranda warnings, and the employee stated that she understood them. She then said, "I might need a lawyer if this gets serious." An officer replied, "The decision is yours," and asked whether she had taken the missing equipment. She confessed. No threats or promises were made, and the interview lasted 20 minutes. Defense counsel moves to suppress the confession under both Miranda and the Sixth Amendment right to counsel. Is the court likely to grant the motion?

A warehouse employee learned that a coworker planned to set fire to a storage shed containing outdated inventory after closing in order to collect insurance proceeds. Wanting the arson to succeed, the employee texted the coworker the alarm code and explained that the security guard usually left at 10:15 p.m. The coworker replied, “Perfect. I’ll do it tonight.” Before the coworker entered the warehouse, the employee became frightened and texted, “Forget it. I’m out.” The employee did not notify the warehouse or otherwise try to prevent the arson. The coworker entered using the code and set fire to the shed. The prosecution has charged the employee as an accomplice to the completed arson. Under generally accepted principles of accomplice liability, which of the following is the strongest conclusion?

A warehouse owner decided to burn the warehouse to collect insurance proceeds. The owner bought gasoline, drove to the warehouse at night, disabled the alarm, and poured gasoline across the wooden floor. The owner then removed a match from a pocket and approached the gasoline. Before striking the match, the owner reconsidered because an employee might be working in a rear office. The owner replaced the match, absorbed most of the gasoline with shop towels, and left. The gasoline caused discoloration but no burning or structural damage. The jurisdiction follows the substantial-step test for attempt and recognizes renunciation as a complete defense to attempt liability when the abandonment is voluntary and complete before the crime is accomplished. What is the strongest charge supported by these facts?