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Criminal Law • Excuse
CRIMLAW#026
Legal Definition
1. Infancy
2. Insanity
3. Voluntary Intoxication
4. Involuntary Intoxication
2. Insanity
3. Voluntary Intoxication
4. Involuntary Intoxication
Plain English Explanation
An "excuse" to a crime means that even though the defendant satisfies all of the elements of the crime, they should still be found not guilty because of some underlying circumstance. The most common circumstances that excuse crimes are: (1) being a child/infant; (2) being insane; or (3) being intoxicated, either voluntarily or involuntarily.
Related Concepts
How does the age of a perpetrator affect their criminal liability?
Under the Durham Test ("But For"), when is a defendant insane?
Under the Irresistible Impulse Test (volitional), when is a defendant insane?
Under the M'Naghten Test (cognitive), when is a defendant insane?
Under the Model Penal Code test (M'Naghten + Irresistible Impulse), when is a defendant insane?
Under what circumstances is assault a specific or general intent crime?
What is aggravated kidnapping?
What is criminal battery?
What is involuntary intoxication, and when is it a valid defense?
What is kidnapping?
What is voluntary intoxication, and when is it a valid defense?
