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Criminal Law: Capacity Defences

Specific and basic intent offences

  • 3 things to know
  • Components 2 and 3

Overview

Offence of specific intent, offence of basic intent and practical effect of the Majewski rule on a jury.

What you need to know

Answer each one before you reveal it.

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Key term

What is the practical effect of the Majewski rule on a jury?

Key term

What is an offence of specific intent?

Key term

What is an offence of basic intent?

Questions from this subtopic

Each one with the model answer underneath.

  1. 1

    What is an offence of specific intent?

    Model answer

    An offence of specific intent can be committed only where the defendant acts intentionally. Recklessness will not satisfy the mens rea.

  2. 2

    What is an offence of basic intent?

    Model answer

    An offence of basic intent can be committed intentionally or recklessly. Recklessness alone is enough for conviction.

  3. 3

    Why does the distinction matter for intoxication?

    Model answer

    Voluntary intoxication may negate the mens rea of a specific intent offence. Voluntary intoxication is no answer to a charge of basic intent.

  4. 4

    How is murder treated on this classification?

    Model answer

    Murder is an offence of specific intent because it requires intention to kill or cause grievous bodily harm. An intoxicated defendant who cannot form that intent is convicted of manslaughter.

  5. 5

    How is criminal damage treated on this classification?

    Model answer

    Basic criminal damage is an offence of basic intent because recklessness suffices. Criminal damage with intent to endanger life may be charged as a specific intent offence.

  6. 6

    Which non-fatal offences are offences of specific intent?

    Model answer

    Wounding or causing grievous bodily harm with intent under section 18 is an offence of specific intent. Attempted offences also require specific intent.

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