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CrimForge Reader cheat sheet

Criminal Law and Jurisprudence

One-page print review generated from existing Reader topics, glossary terms, and question-bank rationale material.

Board weight
20%
CLJ

Reader topics

Revised Penal Code, Book I4%
Circumstances affecting criminal liability3%
Crimes against persons3%
Crimes against property3%
Criminal procedure4%
Evidence2%
Special penal laws1%

Key terms

Aggravating circumstances
Facts that increase the penalty because they make the offense more serious in law.
Arraignment
The court stage where the accused is informed of the charge and enters a plea.
Exempting circumstances
Facts that leave the act wrongful but excuse the actor, with civil liability generally surviving.
Justifying circumstances
Facts that make the act lawful, so there is generally no crime, no criminal, and no civil liability.
Mitigating circumstances
Facts that reduce the penalty because they lessen the actor's blameworthiness without erasing liability.
Murder
Unlawful killing attended by a qualifying circumstance that changes the offense from homicide.

High-yield comparisons

TopicBoard takeaway
Revised Penal Code - Book IThe Revised Penal Code was enacted as Act No. 3815 on December 8, 1930, and took effect on January 1, 1932.
Revised Penal Code - Book IArticle 8 requires both an agreement concerning the commission of a felony and the decision to commit it.
Revised Penal Code - Book IA person who personally executes the act is a principal by direct participation.
Special penal lawsA child 15 or below is exempt from criminal liability and is referred to intervention.
Revised Penal Code - Book IUnlawful aggression is indispensable to self-defense.

Memory aids

  • 38-15: the old Act that frames the Code.
  • Conspiracy = agree + decide.
  • 15 and under: exempt. Above 15 to below 18: discernment matters.
  • No unlawful aggression, no self-defense.

References seen in practice

Act No. 3815Effective January 1, 1932Art. 8, RPCArt. 17, RPCR.A. 9344R.A. 10630Art. 11(1), RPC