Absolute& Strict Liability Flashcards
Which offences does Strict Liability consider?
those where the mens rea is not required
What case is an example of demonstrating strict liability ?
Pharmaceutical Society of GB v Storkwain Ltd 1986
D supplied drugs on prescriptions which was later found to be forged. No finding D acted dishonestly, improperly or negligently. HOL held Divisional Court was right to direct magistrates to convict D.
What case is this?
Pharmaceutical Society of GB v Storkwain Ltd 1986
What happened in the case of Pharmaceutical Society of GB v Storkwain Ltd 1986
D supplied drugs on prescriptions which was later found to be forged. No finding D acted dishonestly, improperly or negligently. HOL held Divisional Court was right to direct magistrates to convict D.
What is needed for nearly all strict liability offences?
the proof of the actus reus
In the case of Pharmaceutical Society of GB v Storkwain Ltd 1986 what was needed to prove the actus reus of the offence?
needed to prove that the chemist had supplied drugs without a genuine prescription
What needs to be proved with the requirement of actus reus?
that the actus reus was voluntary
In what situation would the chemist in Pharmaceutical Society of GB v Storkwain 1986 not be guilty of supplying drugs without a doctors prescription?
If the chemist had been forced at gun point to provide the drug
What is the official name for situations whereby D can be found guilty even though they did not do the actus reus voluntarily?
crimes of absolute liability
What does absolute liability mean?
this means that no mens rea at all is required for the offence
Within absolute liability there are ‘status offences’ involved, what is this?
This where the actus reus is a state of affairs. and where D is liable because they have ‘been found’ in a certain situation
What type of offences are rare?
‘status offences’ within absolute liability
What 2 conditions must apply to be an absolute liability offence?
- the offence does not require any mens rea
- no need to prove that the defendant’s actus reus was voluntary
Which 2 cases demonstrate Absolute Liability?
- Larsonneur 1933
- Winzar v Chief Constable of Kent 1983
D was termed an ‘alien’ and ordered to leave UK. D went to Eire but irish police deported her back to UK where police arrested her. D did not want to return and was not voluntary. D was found guilty under the Aliens Order.
What case is this?
Larsonneur 1933
What happened in the case of Larsonneur 1933?
D was termed an ‘alien’ and ordered to leave UK. D went to Eire but irish police deported her back to UK where police arrested her. D did not want to return and was not voluntary. D was found guilty under the Aliens Order.
What happened in the case of Winzar v Chief Constable of Kent 1983
D taken to hospital but found only to be drunk. Police took D to the roadway and arrested then charged D with being drunk in a highway.
D taken to hospital but found only to be drunk. Police took D to the roadway and arrested then charged D with being drunk in a highway.
What case is this?
Winzar v Chief Constable of Kent 1983