MENS REA

1
MENS REA
2
Levels of Mens Rea (Culpability)

• Purposely
• Knowingly
• Recklessly
• ------------------------------------------------
• Negligently
• Strict liability

3
Special issues

• Motive vs. Intent
• Proving Intent
• Jewell Doctrine
• Reckless ? Knowingly when strong suspicion and
  avoids learning the truth

4
MATERIAL ELEMENTS?

• What do you need to know?
• Actus reus
• Circumstances????
• Taking Knowing Girl w/out
  permission
• Under age

5
Mistake of Fact

• Only a defense if you dont know a material
  fact
• If you dont need to know that fact to be guilty,
  mistake is not a defense
• E.g., Prince
• E.g., Feola

6
How do you know what elements are material?

• Language of statute
• Legislative history
• Policy arguments
• What makes conduct wrong?