1.3 Strict liability offences

Question 1

What are the two elements generally needed to prove guilt in a crime?

Answer 1

Actus reus and mens rea

Actus reus refers to the physical act of committing a crime, while mens rea refers to the mental state or intent behind the act.

Question 2

What are strict liability crimes?

Answer 2

Crimes where no mens rea needs to be proved

In strict liability crimes, only the actus reus needs to be established for a person to be found guilty.

Question 3

Give two examples of strict liability crimes.

Answer 3

• Speeding
• Selling alcohol or cigarettes to people under 18

These examples illustrate offenses where intent or mental state is not required for prosecution.

Question 4

What is the significance of actus reus in strict liability offences?

Answer 4

Only actus reus needs to be proved

The prosecution does not need to prove mens rea for these offences.

Question 5

Can strict liability offences be successfully defended?

Answer 5

Only if the accused proves the actual act did not occur

Mens rea is irrelevant in defending against strict liability offences.

Question 6

True or False: In strict liability crimes, the state of mind of the accused is crucial for prosecution.

Answer 6

False

The state of mind does not matter; only the act itself is important.

Question 7

Fill in the blank: For strict liability offences, proof of the _______ alone is sufficient to constitute a crime.

Answer 7

act

This highlights the unique nature of strict liability crimes.