Which of the following is an example of a specific intent crime?

Prepare for the Police Academy Legal Exam. Study with flashcards and multiple choice questions, each question has hints and explanations. Get ready for your exam!

Specific intent crimes require that the offender not only commit the act (the actus reus) but also have a particular purpose or desire behind their actions (the mens rea). In the case of battery motivated by hate towards a particular group, the individual must possess a specific intent to bring about harm due to their feelings towards that group. This motivation signifies a deeper level of intent, as it demonstrates that the offender's actions are intentionally directed at a certain group based on bias or prejudice.

In contrast, theft of a car is generally categorized under general intent. Although the offender must intend to take someone else's property unlawfully, the motivation behind the act is not as crucial as the act itself. Vandalism, similarly, involves intentionally damaging property, but it may not necessarily indicate a particular intent beyond the act of vandalizing. Driving without a license is usually viewed as a regulatory offense and does not involve the kind of targeted intent associated with specific intent crimes. Therefore, only the battery motivated by hate clearly illustrates the nuances of specific intent in the context of criminal law.

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