North Carolina Basic Law Enforcement Training (BLET) State Practice Exam

Which three elements are considered the basic elements of a crime?

1. Intent, Act, Harm

2. Desire, Knowledge, Opportunity

3. Means, Motive, Opportunity

4. Intent, Motive, Means

The correct answer is: Desire, Knowledge, Opportunity

The basic elements of a crime are generally understood to include intent, act, and harm. Intent refers to the mental state of the person committing the crime, indicating that they had a purpose or desire to commit the unlawful act. The act is the physical action that constitutes the crime, while harm represents the result of the crime, often involving injury or damage to a person or property. In this context, desire, knowledge, and opportunity do not fully encapsulate the necessary components for establishing a crime legally. While they may touch upon aspects relevant to criminal behavior, they do not encompass the legal definitions of what constitutes a crime in the same way that intent, act, and harm do. Understanding these foundational elements is crucial for legal proceedings, as establishing each element is essential for prosecuting or defending against a criminal charge.