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NeCede's

Maxim 7.1.16

An act does not make a person guilty, unless the intention be also guilty.

Actus non reum facit, nisi mens sit rea.

Source: Bouvier's Law Dictionary; 2 Bouv. Inst. n. 2211; Weisman, 60h; Weisman, 60n Difficulty 1/5 — Foundational

Explanation

Criminal liability requires the union of a wrongful act with a guilty mind; without criminal intent, there is no crime.

Where this applies

  • I accidentally knocked over a display in a store — am I criminally liable?
  • I caused damage to someone's property by genuine accident — is that a crime?

Topics

Crime & Criminal Law

Legal domains

criminal

Cite this maxim

NeCede Max. 7.1.16 — An act does not make a person guilty, unless the intention be also guilty. — Bouvier's Law Dictionary; 2 Bouv. Inst. n. 2211; Weisman, 60h; Weisman, 60n (Actus non reum facit, nisi mens sit rea.)

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