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MisconceptionObserved in bank

Aggravated Requires Injury

This trap appears as a wrong-answer choice in 1 active question. Spotting how it is built is the repair: read each example's “why it's attractive” before the “why it's wrong.”

Subject distribution

  • CRIMINAL1

Example wrong choices

  • 20350_ruth-lures-timothy · CRIMINAL · Choice ASimple kidnapping only, because the ransom demand was never communicated to Timothy's parents

    Why it's attractive

    This choice adds a communication requirement to the ransom aggravator that the law does not require. Intent to hold for ransom suffices — the demand need not be sent or received.

    Why it's wrong

    This choice adds a communication requirement to the ransom aggravator that the law does not require. Intent to hold for ransom suffices — the demand need not be sent or received.

  • 20350_ruth-lures-timothy · CRIMINAL · Choice CSimple kidnapping only, because Timothy was not physically harmed during the confinement

    Why it's attractive

    This choice conflates physical harm with aggravation. The enumerated aggravating factors for aggravated kidnapping do not require injury — they include holding for ransom, using the victim as a shield, or taking a child.

    Why it's wrong

    This choice conflates physical harm with aggravation. The enumerated aggravating factors for aggravated kidnapping do not require injury — they include holding for ransom, using the victim as a shield, or taking a child.

  • 20350_ruth-lures-timothy · CRIMINAL · Choice DAggravated kidnapping, but only because Timothy was a minor — the ransom note is irrelevant because it was never sent

    Why it's attractive

    This choice correctly identifies the minor-victim aggravator but incorrectly dismisses the ransom note as irrelevant. A drafted but undelivered ransom note is direct evidence of intent to hold for ransom — the aggravator that requires intent, not communication.

    Why it's wrong

    This choice correctly identifies the minor-victim aggravator but incorrectly dismisses the ransom note as irrelevant. A drafted but undelivered ransom note is direct evidence of intent to hold for ransom — the aggravator that requires intent, not communication.

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Practice questions using this trap →
Aggravated Requires Injury — Trap Taxonomy | BarMatrix