strict liability (2024)

**(Contrast with general intent and specific intent)**

Overview

In both tort and criminal law, strict liability exists when a defendant is liable for committing an action, regardless of what his/her intent or mental state was when committing the action. In criminal law, possession crimes and statutory rape are both examples of strict liability offenses.

Strict Liability As Applied to Criminal Law

In criminal law, strict liability is generally limited to minor offenses. Criminal law classifies strict liability as one of five possible mentes reae(mental states) that a defendant may have in pursuit of the crime. The other four are "acting knowingly," "acting purposely," "acting with recklessness," and "acting with negligence."The mensrea of strict liability typically results in more lenient punishments than the other fourmentesreae. Typically in criminal law, the defendant's awareness of what he is doing would not negate a strict liability mens rea(for example, being in possession of drugs will typically result in criminal liability, regardless of whether the defendant knows that he is in possession of the drugs).

Strict Liability As Applied to Tort Law

In tort law, there are two broad categories of activities for which a plaintiff may be held strictly liable - possession of certain animals and abnormally dangerous activities. Additionally, in the area of torts known as products liability, there is a sub-category known as strict products liability which applies when a defective product for which an appropriate defendant holds responsibility causes injury to an appropriate plaintiff.

Controversy

The classification of strict liability has not been without controversy. Some scholars oppose the concept for reasons commonly related to the unfairness of a defendant being held liable for something unrelated to the defendant's intentions (or lack thereof). Others support the classification, with some reasoning that the more lenient punishments which accompany strict liability offenses mitigate the potential unfairness related to the classification.

For further reading on the topic, see this William & Mary Law Review note; see also this Yale Law School Legal Scholarship Repository article; see also this Michigan Law Review note.

strict liability (2024)

FAQs

Strict liability? ›

Overview. In both tort and criminal law, strict liability exists when a defendant is liable for committing an action, regardless of what his/her intent or mental state was when committing the action. In criminal law, possession crimes and statutory rape are both examples of strict liability offenses.

Which of these is an example of strict liability? ›

In criminal law, statutory rape and possession offenses are strict liability offenses. Defendants can be convicted of them regardless of whether they acted intentionally or recklessly. In civil law, products liability cases and animal bite cases are often strict liability claims.

What is strict liability insurance example? ›

Examples of strict liability

Situations that involve strict liability include: If you make or sell defective products that cause harm because of design flaws, manufacturing defects or inadequate warnings. If you deal with hazardous materials or chemicals that cause damage due to leaking or spills.

What is an example of a strict liability business? ›

A light bulb factory that manufactures a million safe light bulbs, for example, and then manufacturers one that explodes when it is turned on due to some production defect, is strictly liable for the injuries caused.

What is absolute and strict liability? ›

Strict Liability and Absolute Liability are both legal doctrines that hold a party accountable for their actions. However, while strict liability allows for exceptions such as an Act of God, the plaintiff's consent, and statutory authority, Absolute Liability provides no such exceptions.

What is covered under strict liability? ›

In California, product manufacturers are held strictly liable for: Designing inherently faulty products (“design defects”); Poorly manufacturing otherwise safe products (“manufacturing defects”); and. Failing to warn consumers about the product's dangers and risks (“warning defects”)

What is the most common form of strict liability? ›

The most common strict liability cases are a result of injuries caused by dangerous/defective products, dangerous pets, and ultra-hazardous activities. Dangerous and defective product claims result from the defective design or manufacture of consumer products.

What are examples of strict liability products? ›

Examples of such products include certain chemicals, flammables, explosives, or owning wild animals. If the activity involves a serious risk of harm, and that harm cannot be eliminated by using reasonable care, once someone gets injured, they'll be able to sue for strict liability.

What is a common situation involving strict liability? ›

Abnormally Dangerous Conditions or Ultrahazardous Activities

Strict liability is also imposed when somebody creates an abnormally dangerous condition or performs ultrahazardous activities, and something goes wrong that causes an injury to another person. Certain activities are considered inherently dangerous.

What is an example of a strict liability construction? ›

For example, mass-produced steel can have weak spots that can compromise the structural integrity of the building. If someone is injured because of this failure, the construction company or the architect can be sued for failing to meet this standard of care.

What is an example of a strict liability clause? ›

Seller shall give notice to Buyer of an event giving rise to the obligation to indemnify, and Seller shall, at its sole cost and expense, have the right, if it so elects, to participate in the defense of any such suit or suits in which it may be a party, without relieving Buyer of its obligation.

What is a strict liability in the workplace? ›

Strict liability means that you or your business is liable for damages and injuries caused to others, even if you were not at fault or negligent.

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