14 Jan Michelle has been angry with Charles for a very long time
Michelle has been angry with Charles for a very long time. She had threatened to kill Charles on a couple of occasions. One day, Michelle sees Charles standing on a street corner waiting to cross the street. There are several people standing around Charles, also waiting to cross. Michelle pulls out a gun and fires at Charles. The bullet grazes Charles’ arm, injuring him. However, the same bullet strikes and kills Rachel, who was unknown to Michelle.
1) Considering the ideas and concepts covered this week, what crime or crimes has Michelle committed? Explain your reasoning, especially with regard to actus rea, mens rea and corpus delicti.
2) Assume you are Michelle’s defense attorney, what might be some valid defenses that would assert on her behalf? Justify your reasons why.
