Defences Flashcards
What is a defence?
When the D still commit the offence but there were certain circumstances involved to make the D only partially responsible
What will a full defence lead to?
A full aquittal
What will a partial offence lead to?
A reduction in conviction
What is a common law defence?
A law made by judges, consent is one of these
What type of defence is consent?
A full defence so they will be found not guilty
What can consent never be a defence for and the case?
Murder (Pretty)
What is valid consent?
The V has to have legal capacity
Who doesn’t have legal capacity?
Underage
Mental or learning disabilities
Intoxicated
What is the case and held for valid consent?
Burrell v Harmer- They were underage so had no legal capacity so cannot consent
What is true consent?
Giving false consent if the V doesn’t know the identity of D or the nature and quality of D’s acts
What is the case and held for the identity of D in true consent?
Tabassum- he lied about his identity so there was no true consent
What is the case for nature and quality in true consent?
Dica- Guilty of S.20 GBH after getting HIV as the woman didn’t know the quality of the act
Can a person consent to harm?
A person cannot consent to harm unless a recognised exception is applied or if the court see there is ‘a good reason’ for the harm occuring (McArthy)
What are the 5 exceptions for consent to harm?
Organised sports
Tattooing and branding
Sexual activity
Horseplay
Medical procedures
What is the rule for tattooing and branding?
You are allowed to consent to harm for a tattoo and it will be valid
What is the rule for organised sports?
It is only valid if the harm occurs within the rules of the game
What did the case of Billinghurst say about organised sports?
No valid consent if deliberate outside the rules of the game
What did the case of Barnes say about organised sports?
If the game permits the act, it will be seen as valid
What is the rule and case for boxing and consent?
They have to follow the Queensbury rules and if not there is no valid consent (Ag Ref No.6)