What is a Mistake of Fact Defense? A mistake of fact is a legal defense that asserts a defendant should be acquitted because an erroneous belief about a material fact prevented them from possessing the necessary criminal intent (mens rea) to commit the crime charged. Simply put, the defendant claims they did not have the […]
Meta Description: The mistake of fact defense is a fundamental concept in criminal law, arguing that a defendant lacked the necessary mens rea (guilty mind) because of a factual misunderstanding. Learn the crucial difference between specific and general intent crimes and how a reasonable mistake can lead to exculpation. Mistake of Fact Defense: When a
Understanding the Mistake of Fact Defense Ignorance of the law is generally no excuse, but what if you commit an act you genuinely and reasonably believe to be lawful because you are mistaken about a crucial fact? The Mistake of Fact defense is a fundamental principle in criminal jurisprudence that can negate the requisite criminal