p. 884. Strict liability
- Nicola MonaghanNicola MonaghanPrincipal Lecturer in Law, University of Worcester
Abstract
Without assuming prior legal knowledge, books in the Directions series introduce and guide readers through key points of law and legal debate. Questions, diagrams, and exercises help readers to engage fully with each subject and check their understanding as they progress. This chapter discusses a special form of criminal liability: strict liability (including absolute liability). A strict liability offence is an offence which does not require proof of a fault element (i.e., where the prosecution need not prove at least one mens rea element). An absolute liability offence does not require proof of any mens rea elements. This chapter also evaluates the arguments for and against strict liability and discusses regulatory offences.
