Strict Liability Crimes


Criminal Law.  The term “strict liability crimes” refers to prescribed where culpability is imposed on a defendant for doing the act which is prohibited by statute.  The defendant’s state of mind (mens rea) is irrelevant for that defendant to be found guilty of committing a strict liability crime.  Strict liability crimes generally have been held constitutional where the penalty is minor and excludes imprisonment.

Such crimes include, for instance, the following:

  • Regulatory Offenses
  • Public Welfare Offenses
  • Morality Crimes (such as statutory rape, bigamy)
  • Selling Liquor to Minors

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