Case Study: Understanding Criminal Law Concepts

Case Study Scenario:

Background:

John Doe, a $25-$year$-$old resident of New York, was involved in a series of events that led to his arrest and subsequent trial. John was driving home late one night when he was pulled over by the police for speeding. During the traffic stop, the officer noticed a suspicious smell coming from John's car. After a brief investigation, the officer discovered an illegal firearm under the passenger seat and a small bag of a controlled substance in the glove compartment.

Incident Details:

John was immediately arrested and charged with several offenses, including illegal possession of a firearm, possession of a controlled substance, and resisting arrest $($as he attempted to flee the scene when the officer tried to handcuff him$).$ John claims that he was unaware of the firearm in his car, as it belonged to a friend who had borrowed the vehicle earlier in the day. He also argues that the controlled substance was for personal use and was not intended for distribution.

Legal Charges:

Illegal Possession of a Firearm $($Felony$)$

Possession of a Controlled Substance $($Misdemeanor$)$

Resisting Arrest $($Misdemeanor$)$

Key Legal Concepts:

Actus Reus: The physical act of possessing the firearm and the controlled substance.

Mens Rea: The intent behind John's possession of these illegal items.

Concurrence: Whether John$$s intent and the criminal acts occurred simultaneously.

Causation: The connection between John's actions and the resulting criminal charges.

Questions:

Analyze the Actus Reus in this case: Identify the specific actions that could be considered the actus reus for each charge against John.