Criminal Responsibility
/ˈkrɪmɪnəl rɪˌspɒnsɪˈbɪləti/
Definitions
- (n.) The legal attribution of liability to a person for committing a criminal act, based on the individual's mental state and conduct.
The defendant's criminal responsibility was established due to proven intent and action.
- (n.) The condition under which a person is capable of being held accountable for a crime, excluding defenses such as insanity or infancy.
A finding of criminal responsibility excludes excuses like insanity.
Forms
- criminal responsibility
Related terms
See also
Commentary
Criminal responsibility is a foundational concept distinguishing legally blameworthy conduct from non-liable behavior, requiring assessment of both actus reus and mens rea.
This glossary is for general informational and educational purposes only. Definitions are jurisdiction-agnostic but reflect terminology and concepts primarily drawn from English and American legal traditions. Nothing herein constitutes legal advice or creates a lawyer-client relationship. Users should consult qualified counsel for advice on specific matters or jurisdictions.