CRIMINALLAW

sexualoffencescomeupeveryyear

12weeks,onetopicaweek
knowyourleadingcasesatleast
docasenotestheycomeuponexams
academicjournals
80%exam20%assignment
3tutorials

part1intro
whatiscrime,definition,classification,theories

part2elementsofcriminalliability
meansrea/actusreus

part3particularoffences
nfoapnonfataloffencesagainsttheperson,sexualoffences,homicide,propertyoffenses

introduction
crimeinireland
downsince2012
52murders2014
27525burglaries2014

crimeratesinirelandusrate,euaverage,ukrate
onincreasesince1950sfromlowbaseline.increasedindustrialisationandurbanisation.
commontrend.

1950totalrecordedoffences159,814
2006totalrecordedoffences406,000

mediaandcrime
macdonagh/pettitscandalmachine/penalpopulism
step1:discoveryofscandal
step2:developmentofpublicoutrage
step3:requirementonpoliticianstoreact

whatiscriminallaw
bodyofruleswhich:
liststhevariouscriminaloffences
identifiestheingredientsofsuchand
setsoutthepunishment

sourcesofcriminallaw
statute/legislationwww.irishstatutebook.ie
commonlaw(caselaw)library.nuim.ieelectronicdatabasesjustis.ie
E.g.IrishReport(IR),IrishLawReportsMonthly(ILRM),AllERetc.

whatiscrime?
crimeisamovingtarget/socialharm/legaldefinition.itsasubsetofallsocialharms
malainsaeinherentlybadoffences

legaldefinitionofcrime
anintentionalactinviolationofthecriminallawcommittedwithoutdefenceorexcuse,and
penalisedbythestatePaulTappan,Whoisthecriminallaw?(1947)

definitionglanvillewilliams
Acrimemustbedefinedbyreferencetothelegalconsequencesoftheact.Wemust
distinguish,primarily,notbetweencrimesandcivilwrongsbutbetweencriminalandcivil
proceedings.Acrimethenbecomesanactthatiscapableofbeingfollowedbycriminal
proceedings,havingoneofthetypesofoutcome(punishmentetc.)knowntofollowthese
proceedings.

irishcourts
mellingvomathghamhna(1962)
KingsmillMooreJ.:Whatisacrime?Theanomalieswhichstillexistinthecriminallawand
thediversityofexpressioninstatutesmakeacomprehensivedefinitionallbutimpossibleto
frame.

mellingguidelines
crimeisawrongthatattractspunishment
crimeisawrongagainstthepublicatlarge
crimeisawrongthatisimmoral
crimeisawrong,theprosecutionofwhichfollowscriminalprocedure
crimeisawrongdescribedbylawinthevocabularyofthecriminallaw

civilvcriminal
art38oftheirishconstitution
1.Nopersonshallbetriedonanycriminalchargesaveinduecourseoflaw.
2.Minoroffencesmaybetriedbycourtsofsummaryjurisdiction.
3.Saveinthecaseoftrialofoffencesundersection2nopersonshallbetriedonany
criminalchargewithoutajury.

distinctionbetweencriminalandcivillaw
sullivanandsemester:
..theessentialdistinctionbetweencriminalandcivillawliesnotsomuchintheoperationas
inthesocialsignificanceofthecriminallawinthewaycriminallawsandconvictionsare
understood.Thecriminallawhasacommunicativefunctionwhichthecivillawdoesnot,and
itsjudgmentsagainsttheaccusedhaveasymbolicsignificancethatciviljudgmentslack.


faultbasedcrimevstrictliabilityoffences
intention

purposeofcriminallaw
toensuresocietydoesntbreakdown.thatpeopleknowtheycantdowhatevertheywant
andgetawaywithit.andthatthepunishmentcandeterpeoplefromcommittingcrimeinthe
firstplace.

fourcorefunctionsofcriminallaw
1. criminalisation(boundaries)
2. communication(towhom?how?)
3. conviction(dueprocess)
4. punishment
(asameanstoanend,oranendinitself?)

boundaries
thewolfenedencommittee
Itisnotthefunctionofthelawtointerveneintheprivatelivesofcitizensortoseekto
enforceanyparticularpatternofbehaviourfurtherthanisnecessary....

punishment
retribution
aneyeforaneye
justdesserts
utilitarianism
punishtoachieveanetbenefit.
deterrence
rehabilitation
incapacitation
principleofproportionality

irishcourtsleantowardsdeterrenceandrehabilitation
studiesshowdeterrencehaslittleornoeffect

principlesofcriminallaw
presumptionofinnocence
(art38.1irishconstitutionnopersonshallbetriedinanycriminalchargeindue
courseoflaw)beyondallreasonabledoubtvscivillaw=balanceofprobability
principleoflegality
principleofnonretroactivityyoucantcriminalisesomethingwhenitwasntan
offenceatthetimethepersoncommittedit.
principleofmaximumcertainty
principleofstrictconstructionofpenalstatutes

conorhanley2014book

classificationofcrimes:
commonlaw
treason
felonies
misdemeanors
Statute:BailAct1997,s1(1)CriminalLawAct1997s.21(1):
Arrestableoffences

classificationofcrimes
summaryoffencescircuitcourtnojury
indictableoffencesjury
triableeitherway
subversiveorgangrelatedindictableoffences

hanlychapter2and3

whatdoyouneedtoestablishcriminalliability?

criminalliability
prosecutionmustproveallelementsofanoffencebeyondreasonabledoubt

coreelementsofacrime

notactingcanbeactusreus
incitementencouragementtocommitacrime

theactdoesnotmakeapersonguiltyifthemindisnotguilty

definingactusreus
conductcrimes
resultcrimes
stateofaffairscrimes

threebasicelementsofAR:

1. circumstances
dellerthedefendantsoldacaronthebasisitwasfreeencumbrances.hehadaloanon
thecarandheknewhedid.actingunderfalsepretenses.unknowntohimtheloanwas
invalidandnotlegallyenforceable.sohewasnttechnicallylying.thecasewasquashed.

dadsonpoliceman,shotathiefwhowasstealingwood.chargedwithintentionallyshooting
another.defencewasthathewasjustifyingshootinghimbystoppingafelonescaping.
howeverhedidntknowthepersonwasafelonandhewasconvicted.

statesofaffairs

larsonneurthedefendantdeportedfromirelandtoenglandagainstherwill.whenshe
arrivedinengland,whenshearrivedthereshewasarrestedandchargedforbeinganillegal
alien.courtheldthepolicebringherthereagainstherwillwasimmaterial.
winzardefendantbroughttohospital.intoxicated.askedtomove.fellasleep.thenpolice
movedhimtoapublichighway.thenthepolicearrestedhimforbeingdrunkatapublic
highway.hewasconvicted.

selfintoxicationisnotadefense.

voluntariness
brattyhestrangledagirl.hesaidablacknesscameoverhimandhedidntremember
anything.defencesaidhesufferedfrompsychoepilepsy.trialjudgeheresaidhecouldonly
usethatdefencetoclaiminsanity.didntallowanoninsanedefence.lostappeal.anactis
notinvoluntarybecausethedefendantdoesntrememberit.
automatism.

involuntarycircumstances

causesofautomatism
internal(insaneautomatism)
external(noninsane)
arisingoutsidethebody

voluntariness
insaneautomatism
mnaghtenrules1883:
murderingtheprimeministerssecretarythinkingitwastheprimeminister

diseaseofthemindrvquick
rvkemp
adevotedhusbandattackedhiswifewithahammer.hesufferedfromarteriosclerosis.he
triedtobringadefenseofautomatism.courtruleditwasadiseaseofthemind.

rvsullivan(epilepsy)
epilepsyconsidereddiseaseofthemind.

noninsaneautomatism
negatingactusreus

rvhennessy
thedefendantwashyperglycemic.hewasadiabetic,hadnttakeninsulin,distressed,stole
car.pleadedautomatism.rejectedonappeal.insanitywasdeemedtheappropriate
response.

rvquick

washypoglycemic.lowbloodsugar.effectnottakinginsulin+alcohol.nomemoryassault,
nurseattackedpatient.external.

rvbingham
rvrabey
ordinarystressesandthingslikedepressionarentenoughtomakeautomatism.theyare
statesofmindlikelytoreoccur.

selfinducedautomatism
rvbailey(1800)thedefendant,ashipscaptain,wasconvictedunderastatutethathad
beenpassedwhilehewasawayatsea.asaresult,hehadnochanceofknowingthathis
conducthadbeenillegal.hisconvictionwasupheldanyway,largelyonpolicygrounds.
rvlipman(1969)intoxicationcase.itwasheldthatthesameprincipalsthatapplyto
alcoholshouldapplytodrugs.
rvhardie
people(D.P.P)vReilly

stateofimpairedconsciousness(notsufficienttoamounttoautomatism)
rvbell
amotoristisattackedbybees.heblackedoutandhadanaccident.noninsaneautomatism.
agref(no2of1992)
lorrydrivercrashedintoabrokendownvehicle.saidhewentintoatrancelikestraightstate
fromthelengthofdrive.
rvkingston

external=noninsane

2.behaviour
canapersonbeheldcriminallyliableforafailuretoact?
commissionoftheoffencebyomission

exceptionalomissionsthatqualifyasbehaviour:

a. dutyimposedbystatute/commonlaw

publicdutydutyimposedatcommonlaw

rvdytham
manbeatentodeathbybouncer.policemantooknostepstopreventtheassault.hewason
duty.misconductwhileactingasanofficerofduty.hesaidmisconductrepresentsanaction
andhefailedtoact.hewasconvicted.

dppvbartley
irishcase.womanabusedfor25yearsbybrother.gardaiignoredher.eventually
investigation.brotherconvicted.gardaifailingactconstitutedanactusreusbecauseitwasa
felony.


dutyimpresobligationtocareforsomeone

parentandchild
rvgibbinsandprocter
manandwomanlivingtogether.manschild.withheldfood.childstarved.fatherbreached
parentalduty.convictedofmurder.womantookmoneyfromhimtobuysoitwasassumed
shehadadutytofeedthechildsoshewasalsoconvicted.

spouses/partners
rvhood
lookingafterhiswife.shefell.hedidntcallanambulancefor3weeks.shediedinhospital.
hewaschargedwithgrossnegligenceandmanslaughter.lackofactionbrokehisdutyof
caretohiswife.

siblings
stoneanddobinson
stonessistermovedinwiththem.shewasanorexic.shebecamebedridden.thecouple
failedtoassistherandcallanambulancetheywereconvictedofgrossnegligence.

rvevans
motherandsister.halfsister.suppliedherwithheroin.neithercalledanambulance.mother
convicted,sistercontributedtothecircumstances.

assumptionofresponsibility

dutycanbeimplied
rvinstan
defendantmovedinwithelderlyauntforfreefoodandlodgings.auntbecameill,no
ambulancecalled.shedied.defendantconvictedofgrossnegligenceandmanslaughter.

notecriticismofcaseinairedalenhsvbland
braininjuryfromhillsboroughdisaster.2yearslaterhospitalwantedtoturnoffthelife
support.familywantedthistoo.courtheldthefeedingtubecouldberemoved.lordsheeflys
3principles.

contractualduty
brownvpittwood
wherethereisafailuretofulfillcontractualdutyandlivesareindanger,thepersonhasa
dutytoact.manslaughtercase.employedtolookafteralevelcrossing.roaduserhitby
train.plaintiffleftthegateopen.plaintiffsaidheonlyhadadutytohisemployer.negligence

thecontinuingactdoctrine
defendantbringsaboutactusreuswithoutmensrea.harmfulconsequencescontinue

faganvmetpolicecommissioner.

defendantaccidentdrovepolicemansfoot.realisedthisandfailedtomoved.convictedof
assault.

dutyarisingfromaspecialrelationshiptotheharm
rvmiller
millerwasahomelessmansquatting.smoking.fellasleep.mattressburnt.hegotupand
moved.buildingburntdown.guiltyofarson.

distinguishingomissionsandacts

chainofcausation
whenisthecausealinkbetweentheactandtheevent?
whencanthatlinkbebroken.

factualcausationbutfortest
egRvWhite[19102k.b.124
sonputscyanideinhismothersdrink.heintendedtokillher.evidenceofcardiacarrest
beforethecyanidetookeffect.hewasconvictedofattemptedmurder.nofactuallink
established.

legalcausationculpableact
egdalloway(1847)2cox273
defendantdrivinghorseandcart.notholdreins.childranoutinfront.killedhim.thejuryhad
todecideifthedeathwouldhaveoccurredwhetherhewasholdingthereignsornot.they
decidedthedeathcouldnothavebeenavoided.

principlesofcausation
a
b
c
d

amorethanaminimalcause
(deminimisprinciple)
adams
adoctorwaschargedwithmurder.painreliefdrugsacceleratedtheoldpeoplesdeaths.he
wasacquitted.itwasheldbydevlin,thedoctorisentitledtodoallhecantorelievepain
evenifheunintentionallyshortenstheirlife

rvsmith
rvadams

boperatingattimeofresults
rvsmith[1959]

cactneednotbesoleormaincause

dppvdunne[2014]iecca90thecourtstatedthatthetestforcausationinthisjurisdictionis
whethertheinjuriescausedbytheaccusedrelatedtothedeathinmorethanaminimalway
dppvdaly[2009]iecca90
dppvdavis[2001]
thedefendanthadbeenchargedwithmurder.thedeceasedsbodyshowedevidenceof
considerableinjuries,someofwhichthedefendantsuggestedhadbeencausedeitherinan
earlieraltercationwithotherpeople,fallingdownthestairs,orhadbeeninflictedduring
attemptstorevivethedeceased.thecourtofcriminalappealfoundtheseexplanationstobe
scarcelycredibleandconcludedthatthedefendantsownadmittedattackwasprobablythe
solecauseofthedeceasedsdeath.
thepeople(ag)vgallagher[1972]

provingcausation
inferencefromcircumstance
dppvmurphy[2005]4ir504
defendantchargedwithmurder.timelapsebeforefindingbodymadecauseofdeath
unknown.defendant'ssemenfoundonthebody.defendantclaimedthatwasjustevidence
ofsexualactivity.hehoweverwasconvicted.

alsograhamdwyercase

inferenceofguilt/causation

novusactusinterveniens
1. actofathirdparty
2. medicaltreatment
3. passerbyintervention

1. actofathirdparty
rvpagett
defendantwasholdinga16yearoldpregnantgirlasashieldwhilebeinginashootoutwith
thepolice.girlwasshotbypolice.hearguedtherewasanovusactus.hewaschargedwith
manslaughter.

2.medicaltreatment
rvjordan[1959]
medicaltreatmentmustbepalpablywrong
stabbedvictim.victimdiedofbronchopneumoniaduetoexcessivefluidgiventohimin
hospital.defendantconvictedbutappealed.hesaidtheactofthehospitalbrokethechainof
causation.chargequashed.courtagreedwithhimandsaidthehospitalwassopalpably
wrong.

rvmalcherekandsteele[1981]
rvcheshire[1991]

3.passersbyintervention

 agvmcgrath(1960)IECCA11
defendanthitamanandlefthimonthesideoftheroom.doctorpassedbyandwenttocall
anambulance.anumberofpassersbyliftedhimintoacar.diedfrominhalationofblood.
defendantarguedchainofcausationbrokenbypassersby.liabilityofaccusedwasntseton
passersby.theywerejustalinkinthechainofcausation.

whathappenswhenthevictimistheinterveningparty?
rvlewis[1970]crimlr647
coupleinarow.wifelockedherselfinaroom.sheheardshouting.shejumpedfromthe
windowandbrokebothofherlegs.juryhadtodecideiftheinjuriesselfinflicted.hewas
convictedofgbhandheappealed.courtsaidthathewasguilty.butthejudgementioned
proportionality.chainofcausationwasntbrokenbutitmustbewithinareasonablerangeof
howthevictimwasmeanttoact.

roberts
girljumpedfromcartoavoidbeingsexallyassaulted.

rvwilliamsanddavis
ahitchhikerwaspickedupbydefendant.hejumpedfromthecarbecausehewasunder
threatofrobbery.hefellhithisheadanddied.convictionofmanslaughterquashed.lackof
evidenceforrobbery.

rvdear
heallegedlymolestedthedaughter.thefatherthencuthimdeeplywithanight.defendant
openedupthewoundsanddied.defendantclaimeditwassuicide.thequestioniswhetherif
theinjuryremainedathreat.thechainofcausationwasntbroken.

failuretoseekmedicaltreatmentonpartofvictim?
rvflynn[1867]
victimassaulted,died4dayslater.hewentwithnormalactivities.thecourtsaidthejuryhad
todecidewhetherthefailuretoaddresstheinjurybrokethechainofcausation.itdidnt.he
wentaboutordinarybusinessanddidnothingexceptional.

rvhayward[1908]21coxcc692
stateofviolentexcitement,chasedwifeoutontheroadshoutingather,shedroppeddead.
shehadanabnormalheartcondition.courtsaysthereisnoneedforphysicalviolence.the
threatofviolenceisenough.eggshellskull.

eggshellskullrule
rvblaue[1975]
principleextendedtopsychologicalbeliefs.manwentintoawomanshouseaskingforsex.
shesaidno.hestabbedher.sherefusedabloodtransfusionbecauseshewasajehovahs
witness.shedied.hewasconvictedofmanslaughter.wasitreasonablyforeseeable?itwas
becauseitisagainsttheirreligiousbeliefs.

rvmckechnie

indirectcausation.victimsustainedheadinjuriesfollowingassault.seriousulcerdiscovered
andhedied.defendantconvictedbecauseheadinjurypreventedhimfromoperating.

jimandsallyproblemquestion
LW105B

ACTUS REUS - CAUSATION

th
Consider the following problem for next weeks class 6 October 2015:

Jim and Sally have been married for 3 months. They live on the fifteenth floor of a block of flats in
the city centre. Jim is a non-violent man. One evening, Jim and Sally are having an argument in
the course of which he say: Take it easy, Sally, or Ill have to give you a little slap to calm you
down youre acting crazy!
Unknown to Jim, Sally is highly neurotic and pathologically terrified of any physical force. She runs
into the next room, grabs a revolver from her handbag, and shoots herself. She dies instantly.
Consider the criminal liability of Jim.
Note
:

Under
Roberts
(1971) such action would be considered unexpected or daft and would
constitute an independent intervening cause.
But, under
Blaue
(1975), Jim must take his wife as he finds here, neuroses and all; he has caused
her injuries.
How can these two cases be reconciled?
[Hint: Consider
William and Davis
(1992)]

Ishouldhebeheldcriminallyliable,causeandlink.isthechainbrokenbyheraction.
Lfactualcausationbutfortestwhite.legalcausationdalloway.explainlawonnovus
actusinterveniensroberts,blaue,williams,davis.(limitthechainofcausationtoa
reasonableresponsefromsuchavictim)
A
C

moremarksgoforlaw

MENSREA
intention

externalelement+legallyblameworthystateofmind+absenceofdefence=criminal
defence

Corecategoriesofmensrea
A.Intention

B.Recklessness
C.CriminalNegligence
D.Knowledge
Otherissues:
TransferredMalice
Coincidenceofactusreusandmensrea
Mistake
StrictLiabilityOffences

MensRea
TypesofFault:
1.SubjectiveFault
2.ObjectiveFault(reasonablepersontest)

A.Intention[i]ntentionisasimplewordwhich,whenitisusedinthedefinitionofacriminal
offence,requiresthatapersonbeprovedtohaveactedwiththepurposeofcausingthe
harmorcircumstanceoutlawed.Inotherwords,thathemeanttodowhathedid.
Charleton,McDermott&Bolger,CriminalLaw(1999)para.1.67

BridgeL.inR.v.Moloney[1985]A.C.905at926:[t]hegoldenruleshouldbethatthe
judgeshouldavoidanyelaborationorparaphraseofwhatismeantbyintent,andleaveitto
thejurysgoodsensetodecidewhethertheaccusedactedwiththenecessaryintent....

Intention
Twotypesofintention:
1.DIRECT
2.OBLIQUE/(INDIRECT)

Directintention
Desiretobringaboutconsequence.
DPPvMurray[1977]IR360WalshJ.definedintention:fixedpurposetoreachadesired
objective.foresee&willthepossibleconsequenceofconduct
RvChristofides[2001]EWCACrim906
Courtofappealruledthattherewasnoneedforaspecialdirectioninacasewherethe
defendantrepeatedlyhitthevictimintheheadwithastickthedefendantsintentionwas
clearfromhisactions.

Obliqueintention
Ididntmeantokillhim,harmher,causeasmuchdamage,startafire.
Dclaimstobeactingforonepurposebutbringsaboutanother:
HyamvDPP[1974]2AllER41
Thedefendantsetfiretoahouse,didnothingtowarntheoccupantsofthehouse,andtwo
peoplewerekilled.thedefendantadmittedthatsheknewwhatwhatshehaddonewas
dangerousforbothoftheoccupantsofthehouseandfortheneighboursmbutsheclaimed
herintentionwastoscaretheownerofthehouseintoleavinftheneighbourhood.

HouseofLordsdistinguisheddesirefromforesightofprobableconsequences."Ifyouare
satisfiedthatwhentheaccusedsetfiretothehousesheknewthatitwashighlyprobable
thatthiswouldcause(deathor)seriousbodilyharmthentheprosecutionwillhave
establishedthenecessaryintent."

RvMoloney[1985]1AllE.R.1025LordBridge:(MoloneyGuidelines):
1.Wastheresultanaturalconsequenceofthedefendantsvoluntaryact?
2.Didthedefendantforeseeitassuch?

R.v.Hancock&Shankland[1986]1AllE.R.641ScarmanL.clarifiedMoloney
GuidelinesR.v.Nedrick[1986]3AllE.R.1CourtofAppealcrystallisedMoloneyand
Hancock&Shankland
Thecourtofappealheldthatanobliqueintentisinsufficientformurderifthedefendant
foresawdeathorseriousinjuryasavirtuallycertainresultofhisactions.

CurrentpositioninEng&Wales
R.v.Woollin[1999]A.C.82HL:ApprovedNedrickButnarrowedthewordingofthetest
slightly(changedinfertofind).
R.v.Matthews[2003]Crim.L.R.553:
Jury,thoughentitledto,arenotboundtomakefindingofintentionwherethereisforesight
ofvirtualcertainty.

ObliqueIntention:E&WSummary
Hyamhighlyprobably
Moloneyforesightofnaturalconsequencecanamounttoinferenceofintention
Hancock&ShanklandnaturalandprobableconsequenceNedrick/Woollinvirtual
certainty
Matthewsjurynotboundtofindintentionwhereforesightofvirtualcertaintyexists.

Foresightofconsequencesandintentarenotthesamething.Insteadforesightof
consequencescanbeusedbythejurytofindintent(Woollin),
Jurycanonlyfindintentifdeath/seriousharmwasavirtualcertaintyofDsactions
(Nedrick/Woollin),
Juryisnotobligedtofindintentinsuchcircumstances(Matthews)

Obliqueintention
IRELAND:
(D.P.P.)v.Douglas&Hayes[1985]I.L.R.M.25CCA:Intentioninferredwhereresultis
highlylikely
CliffordvD.P.P.[2008]I.E.H.C.322Inferenceisnotautomatic
Theappellanthadbeenchargedwithapublicorderoffencethatrequiredproofthathehad
intendedtoprovokeabreakofthepeaceorwasrecklessastowhetherornotsuchabreach
hadoccurred.

MensRea:IntentionLawReformCommission:

recommendedthatthetermintentionbedefinedbystatuteinordertointroduceclarity
andcertaintyintothisareaofthelaw.

MensRea/IntentionAdditionalReading:
LRC,ReportonHomicide:MurderandInvoluntaryManslaughter,2008,chs2&3
LRC,ConsultationPaperonHomicide:TheMentalElementinMurder,2001,chs2&4
(Bothavailableonlineathttp://www.lawreform.ie/)
IvanaBacikarticle(Moodle)

B.Recklessness
Whereapersondoesnotintendtocauseaharmfulresultbuttakesanunjustifiableriskof
causingit.

EstablishingRecklessness
1.Whatisanunjustifiablerisk?
2.Whatwasthepersonsstateofmind?

Recklessness:
EnglandandWales
RvCunningham[1957]
Thedefendantbrokeopenagasmeterwithoutturningoffthegas,inordertostealmoney
therein.Gasescapedintoaneighbour'shousewhichpartiallyasphyxiatedtheneighbour.
theissueiswhetherthedefendanthadactedwithmalice.courtofappealruledthatmalice
requiredaproofofintentionorrecklessness,and
RvCaldwell[1982]
ElliottvC(aminor)[1983]
RvGandR[2004]AGRef(No.3of2003)[2004]

SubjectiveRecklessnessCasesofNote(E&W)
RvSavageandParmenter(1992)foreseeabilityofsomephysicalharm,evenminor.
RvPigg(1982)rapecaseindifference
RvAdomako(1994)differencebetweenmedicalgrossnegligenceandrecklessness
RvSpratt(1990)
RvSatnamandKewal(1984)rapecaseindifference

ObjectiveRecklessnessCasesofNote(E&W)
R.v.Lawrence[1982]A.C.510ApprovedCaldwell,butmodifiedslightly.
Chargeofrecklessdriving.
Elliottv.C.[1983]2AllE.R.1005
Thedefendant,ayounggirlwithsomelearningdifficulties,setfireinashed,butthefire
spreadandtheshedwasdestroyed.Onachargeofarson,thecourtofappealheldthatit
wasirrelevantthatthedefendantdidnotthinkabouttherisksinheractionsorthatshe
wouldhavebeenunabletoappreciatethoserisksifshehadstoppedtothinkaboutthem.
Theobjectiveformulativeofrecklessnessmadenoallowanceforimmaturityordisability,but
heldeveryonetothesamestandardofanordinaryreasonableadult.Thisdecisionwas
heavilycriticised.

R.v.StephenMalcolm(1984)79Crim.App.R.334

Recklessness:
Ireland
SUBJECTIVETEST
Peoplev.Murray[1977]I.R.360
HenchyJ.endorsedModelPenalCodedftn.:Apersonactsrecklessly...whenhe
consciouslydisregardsasubstantialandunjustifiablerisk...Theriskmustbeofsucha
natureanddegreethat,consideringthenatureandpurposeoftheactorsconductandthe
circumstancesknowntohim,itsdisregardinvolvesculpabilityofhighdegree.

Recklessness:Ireland
DPPvMcGrathCagney[2008]2IR111
CliffordvDPP[2008]IEHC322
Thecourtconsideredthepublicorderoffenceofoffensiveconductwithintenttobreachthe
peaceorwhilerecklessastosuchabreach,containedinsection6ofthecriminaljustice
(publicorder).
[Note:Re.HefferonKearnsLtd.[1993]3I.R.191]

C.Negligence
Negligenceisconductthatdepartsfromthestandardtobeexpectedofreasonableand
prudentpeople.
ObjectivetestR.v.Lamb[1967]2AllE.R.1282
Thedefendantpointedaloadedgunhisfriendinjestandpulledthetrigger,killinghisfriend.
Hedidnotunderstandthefiringmechanismandthoughtitwassafe.Defendantsstateof
mindwasinnocentbuthewasfoundguiltyofnegligence
Brownv.U.S.256U.S.335(1921)

SimplenegligenceGrossnegligencemanslaughter
TheTestforNegligence:
(1)wouldareasonablepersonhavebeenawareoftherisksinquestionand
(2)knowingthoseriskswouldthereasonablepersonhaverunthem?

D.Knowledge
Knowledgeispositiveandcorrectawarenessthatthecircumstancesoftheoffenceexisted.
[Itis]astateofmindwherebythemindoftheaccusedhasembracedasfactthatstateof
affairsofwhichtheprosecutionaccusedhim.(Charletonetal,CriminalLaw,para1.79)
HanlonvFleming[1981]IR489,(SC)
People(DPP)v.Foley[1995]1I.R.267
Thegardasearchedanapartmentandfoundthedefendantsittingonthebedbesidea
shotgun,ahandgunwasonanearbytableandtherewasabaginwhichthebuttofanother
firearmwasclearlyvisible.Therewastherforeaninferenceofpossession.

DoctrineofTransferredMalice
TheDoctrineofTransferredMaliceoperatestomarrytheactusreusandmensreaofthe
samecrimewheretheycoincide.

R.v.Latimer[188690]AllE.R.386
Thedefendantwasinvolvedinapubbrawlwithanotherman.Heswunghisbeltattheother
man,butthebeltbouncedofftheothermansarmandstrucktheownerofthepubinthe
face,causinginjury.Thedefendantappealedagainsthisconvictiononthegroundsthathe
hadstrucktheownerbyaccidentandthereforehadinsufficientmensrea.LordColeridge
statedifapersonhasamaliciousintenttowardsoneperson,incarryingintoeffectthat
maliciousintentheinjuresanother...heisguiltyofwhatthelawconsidersmaliceagainstthe
personsoinjured.
R.v.Pembilton(1874)L.R.2C.C.R.119
Thedefendantthrewastoneatanotherperson,butmissedandbrokeawindowinstead.
Thejuryconcludedhehadintendedtohittheperson,butconvictedhimforcriminaldamage
anyway.
R.v.Mitchell[1983]2AllE.R.427
A.G.sReference(No.3of1994)[1998]AC245
Thedefendanthadstabbedapregnantwoman,knowingshewaspregnant.Headmittedan
intentiontocausethewomanseriousinjurybutdeniedanysimilarintentwithrespecttothe
unbornchild.Asaresultofthestabbing,thechildwasbornprematurelyandlivedfor121
daysbeforedying.Itwasundisputedthatthechilddiedasaresultofbeingborn
prematurely,whichwasinturncausedbythestabbing.TheLordsrefusedtoacceptthatthe
malicehadbeentransferredfromthemothertotheunbornchildandthenfromtheunborn
childtothechildonceborn.
Tomakeanysenseof[transferredintent]theremust...besomecompatibilitybetweenthe
originalintentionandtheactualoccurrence,andthisis,indeed,whatonefindsinthecases.
Thereisnosuchcompatibilityhere.Thedefendantintendedtocommitanddidcommitan
immediatecrimeofviolencetothemother.Hecommittednorelevantviolencetothefoetus,
whichwasnotaperson,eitheratthetimeorinthefuture,andintendednoharmtothe
foetusortohumanpersonwhichitwouldbecome.

CoincidenceofActusReusandMensRea
GeneralRule:foracrimetobecommitted,theactusreusandmensreaofthecrimemust
coincideinapointintime.
Exceptions:twotheoriesareutilisedtoattachliabilitytooffendersinproblematiccases
thecontinuingactiontheoryandthedutyapproach:
Faganv.MetropolitanPoliceCommissioner[1964]1Q.B.439
R.v.Miller[1983]1AllE.R.978
Kaitamakiv.theQueen[1985]1A.C.147

G.Mistake
Ignorantiafactiexcusatignorantiajurisnonexcusat.
(i)MistakeofFact
DPPv.Morgan[1975]2AllE.R.347
(ii)MistakeofLaw
R.v.Reid[1973]3AllE.R.1020
ThePeople(DPP)v.Healy[1990]I.L.R.M.313
McCarthyJ.intheSupremeCourtobservedat329:ifitwereotherwise,therewouldbe
apremiumonignorance.


StrictLiabilityOffences
Offencesforwhichmensreaisnotrequiredforeveryelementoftheoffence.
C.C.vIreland&Others[2006]2I.L.R.M.161.
Presumptionofmensrea:Sweetv.Parsley[1970]A.C.132
LordReidsaid:
Therehasforcenturiesbeenapresumptionthatparliamentdidnotintendtomakecriminals
ofpersonswhowereinnowayblameworthyinwhattheydid.Thatmeansthatwhenevera
[legislativeprovision]issilentastomensreathereisapresumptionthat,inordertogive
effecttothewillofparliament,wemustreadinwordsappropriatetorequiremensrea.
Maguirev.ShannonRegionalFisheriesBoard[1994]3I.R.580

ReadingforNextWeek:Homicide
CriminalJusticeAct1964,S.4
TextbookchapteronHomicide(e.g.Campbelletal,ch.17)
CaselawreferencereadinglistonMoodleCASENOTE:ThePeople(DPP)v.Murray
[1977]IR360

HOMICIDE

murder

Murder:ClassicDefinition
OLDCOMMONLAWDEFINITION:
Murderiswhenamanofsoundmemory,andoftheageofdiscretion,unlawfullykilleth...
Anyreasonablecreatureinrerumnatura,undertheKingsPeace,withmaliceaforethought
eitherexpressedbythepartyorimpliedbylaw,soasthepartywoundedorhurt,etc.diesof
thewoundorhurt,etc.withinayearandadayafterthesame.(ChiefJusticeCoke,(1640)
3Inst47)

CommonlawDefinition:ActusReusIssues:
(a)Soundmind&ageofdiscretion
(b)UnlawfulKilling
(c)AnyReasonableCreature(InRerumNatura)Shouldunbornbeclassedasliving
human?
Art40.3.3.
Destructionofunbornhumanlife,s.22ProtectionofLifeDuringPregnancyAct2013
AGRefNo.3of1994(1998)AC245CommonlawDefini

CommonlawDefinition:ActusReusIssues:
(d)WithMaliceAforethought
(e)WithinaYearandADay(Abolishedbysection38oftheCriminalJusticeAct1999)
(f)Omission(seelecturenotesonARInstan,Stone&Dobinson)
(g)Causation(seelecturenotesonAR)

ActusReusIssues
Whatifthebodyisneverfound?RvOnufrejczyk[1955]1AllER247

MensReaDEFINITION:CriminalJusticeAct1964,S.4:

(1)Whereapersonkillsanotherunlawfullythekillingshallnotbemurderunlesstheaccused
personintendedtokill,orcauseseriousinjuryto,someperson,whetherthepersonactually
killedornot.
(2)Theaccusedpersonshallbepresumedtohaveintendedthenaturalandprobable
consequencesofhisconductbutthispresumptionmayberebutted.
http://www.irishstatutebook.ie/1964/en/act/pub/0005/print.html

MensRea
ThePeople(DPP)vNoelandMarieMurray[1977]IR360:
Acapitalmurdercaseinwhichtheseconddefendanthadkilledanoffdutygardawhowas
abouttoapprehendthefirstdefendantfollowingabankrobbery.Thecourtheldthata
convictionforcapitalmurderrequiredevidencethatthedefendantseitherknewthattheir
victimwasagardaactinginthecourseofhisdutyorwererecklessastothatfact.
WalshJonintention:
Tointendtomurder,ortocauseseriousinjury...istohaveinmindafixedpurposeto
reachthatdesiredobjective.Therefore,thestateofmindoftheaccusedpersonmusthave
beennotonlythatheforesawbutalsowilledthepossibleconsequencesofhisconduct.(at
386)

Douglas&Hayes(obliqueintention)
McWilliamJ.Englishdecisionsrelevanthere.
Held:foresightandrecklessnesscouldnotbeequatedwithintention,althoughtheymight,
inparticularcircumstances,constituteevidencefromwhichaninferenceofintentioncould
bedrawn.

MR:Intention
[England(Woollin/Nedrick)deathorseriousbodilyharmwasavirtualcertaintyandthe
defendantappreciatedthatsuchwasthecase.]

ThePresumption:
S.4(2)DPPvHull(8Jul1996,unreported),
Thedefendanthadfiredhisshotgunthroughadoorofahousethathadjustbeenclosedby
theoccupantofthehouse.Theoccupantwaskilledbytheshotandthedefendantwas
chargedwithmurder.
CCABlayneyJ.Instructionstojury:
1.todecidewhetherthenaturalandprobableconsequenceoftheapplicantfiringatthedoor
wastocausedeathorseriousinjury,
2.iftheydecidedthisintheaffirmative,togoontoconsiderwhetherthefiringhadbeen
deliberateoraccidental.
Seealso,DPPvMcBride(29Jan1996,unreported),CCA

PunishmentforMurder
MurderMandatoryLifeSentenceCriminalJusticeAct1990,s.2
AggravatedMurderMLSnotlessthan40yearsCriminalJusticeAct1964abolishedthe
deathpenaltyinrelationtomurderexceptingcapitalmurderDeathpenaltyabolished

completelybysection1oftheCriminalJusticeAct1990
http://www.irishstatutebook.ie/1990/en/act/pub/0016/index.html

MandatoryLifeSentence
MeaningofLife(upto17yearscustodialsentence(ParoleBoard,2010))
RoleofMinisterforJustice&ParoleBoard[conditional]temporary/earlyrelease
Lynchv.MinisterforJustice,EqualityandLawReform&Whelanv.Same[2010]IESC
34
Thesupremecourtindicatedthattheprincipleofproportionalityapplicabletosentencingis
notaconstitutionalprinciple.
ThecourtsaidIncommittingthecrimeofmurdertheperpetratordeprivesthevictim,finally
andirrevocably,ofthatmostfundamentalofrights,therighttobeandatthesametime
extinguishestheenjoymentofallotherrightsinherentinthatpersonasahumanbeing.by
itsverynatureithasbeenregardedastheultimatecrimeagainstsocietyasawhole.Itis
alsoacrimewhichmayhaveexceptionalirrevocableconsequencesofadevastatingnature
forthefamilyofthevictim.

MandatoryLifeSentenceDiscussionPoint:
Pros?
Cons?

Reform
LRCCP662011,ConsultationPaperonMandatorySentences,especiallych2
LRC872008,Homicide:MurderandInvoluntaryManslaughter(2008),chs2&3
LRCCP172001,ConsultationPaperonHomicide:TheMentalElementinMurder(2001),
especiallychs2&4
(http://www.lawreform.ie/)

I.Bacik,IfitAintBrokeACriticalViewoftheLawReformCommissionConsultation
PaperonHomicide:theMentalElementinMurder(2002)12IrishCriminalLawJournal6.
(MOODLE)

AttemptedMurder
Aninchoateoffence
Actusreusismissing
Mensreaofmurderintentiontokillonly
Max.sentencelifediscretionary
Factofdeathaddsadimensionofseriousnesstoacase,evenwheredeathisnot
intended.

VOLUNTARYMANSLAUGHTER

Manslaughter
Manslaughtercoversallunjustifiablekillingsofadultsandchildrenthatarenotmurder
(apartfrominfanticideandsuicide).


VoluntaryManslaughter
ActusReus:causingthedeathofanother
Mensrea:aspermurder(i.e.intention)buttherearemitigatingcircumstances,namely:
a)diminishedresponsibilityb)provocationc)excessiveuseofforce

JustificationvExcuse
Justifiedaction:warrantedaction,morallyappropriate(e.g.selfdefence)
Excusedaction:notwarranted,butagentisnotresponsibleforaction(e.g.Insanity
defence)
Partialexonerations:Partialexcuse:diminishedresponsibilityPartialjustification:
provocation,excessiveuseofforce[seeCampbell,ch.21forfurtherdiscussion

a) diminishedresponsibility
patrickandmarguerite

CriminalLaw(Insanity)Act2006,s.6:(1)Whereapersonistriedformurderandthejury...
findsthattheperson
(a)Didtheactalleged,
(b)Wasatthetimesufferingfromamentaldisorder,and
(c)Thementaldisorderwasnotsuchastojustifyfindinghimorhernotguiltybyreasonof
insanity,butwassuchastodiminishsubstantiallyhisorherresponsibilityfortheact,thejury
...shallfindthepersonnotguiltyofthatoffencebutguiltyofmanslaughteronthegroundof
diminishedresponsibility.
http://www.irishstatutebook.ie/pdf/2006/en.act.2006.0011.pdf

Meaningofmentaldisorderunder2006Act,s.1:MentalDisorderincludesmental
illness,mentaldisability,dementiaoranydiseaseofthemindbutdoesnotinclude
intoxication(s.1)(*Seenotesoninsanitydefenceformeaningofdiseaseofthemind)

diminishsubstantiallymentaldisorderneednotbetotalbutshouldbemorethantrivial.

BurdenofProof
Thedefendantbearstheburdenofprooftoestablishthedefences.6(2)CLIA2006.
Defencemustdischargethisburdenonthebalanceofprobabilities

Development:ScottishoriginsEnglandandWalesIrelandNatureandScopeof
DiminishedResponsibilityNewtestEnglandandWalesSee:Kennefick,Diminished
responsibilityinIreland:historicalreflectionsonthedoctrineandpresentdayanalysisofthe
law.(MOODLE)

GenealogyofDiminishedResponsibilityScotland:
JohnSomerville(1704)capital&noncapitalcharges
Informalmitigatoryplea
expressionoftendernesstothefrailtyofhumannature
CommonwealthvWebster18505Cush.296

Dingwall(1867)DRasaformofculpablehomicideismurderwithextenuating
circumstances
Mentaldisorderoneofanumberofelementstobetakenintoaccount
Savage(1923)stricterinscope
Galbraith(2000)returntoflexibility
CriminalJusticeandLicensing(Scotland)Act2010

EnglandandWales:
HomicideAct1957,s.2(1):Whereapersonkills...heshallnotbeconvictedofmurderif
hewassufferingfromsuchabnormalityofmind(whetherarisingfromaconditionofarrested
orretardeddevelopmentofmindoranyinherentcausesorinducedbydiseaseorinjury)as
substantiallyimpairedhismentalresponsibilityforhisacts....
Byrne(1960)authoritativeexplanationflexible

CurrentLaw:EnglandandWales
HomicideAct1957,s.2(essentiallyillogical)wasreplacedby:
CoronersandJusticeAct2009,s.52recognisedmedicalconditioncausation
requirementrestrictive
http://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2009/25/section/52

GenealogyofDiminishedResponsibilityIreland:
InfanticideAct1949
AGvOShea(1931)jurywantedtoaddridertoverdict
DoylevWicklowCC(1974)volitionalinsanityapproved
DPPvJosephOMahony(1985)arguedforDRatcommonlaw
Thedefendantappealedagainsthismurderconviction,arguingthatthe1957actinengland
merelycodifiedapreexistingcommonlawdefence.thecourtheld,however,thatthe1957
hadalteredthecommonlawbyintroducingapreviouslyunknowndefence,andthatthe
introductionofsuchadefencerequiredlegislativeintervention.
HenchyCommittee1978recommendation
CriminalLaw(Insanity)Act2006,s.6[SeeL.KennefickarticleonMoodle]

ConsequencesofDRverdict
Anythingfromafinetolifeimprisonment.
Nopsychiatric/hospitalorderavailableinIreland.
MentalHealth(CriminalLaw)ReviewBoard.
DPPvLeighCrowe[2009]ILRM225,
KearnsJ.:...theapplicantcannotandshouldnotbetreatedinpreciselythesamemanner
asapersonfullyresponsibleforhisownactions...theapplicant...isentitledtoexpectthe
impositionofsomesentenceshortoflifeimprisonment...whereamanslaughterpleais
acceptedinthisway.

CurrentLaw:Ireland
Ireland:
CriminalLaw(Insanity)Act2006,s.6
DPPvODwyer(2007)(18June2007,unreported)C.C.Ct.

DPPvCollins(2007)(*unsuccessful)
DPPvCrowe[2009]2ILRM225
DPPvEgan(21April2009,unreported),C.C.Ct.
DPPvBurke(23March2010,unreported),C.C.Ct.
DPPvHarman(13October2014,unreported),C.C.Ct.

DRcasessince2006SuccessfulCases:
DPPvODwyer(2007)Dkilledteenagedsisterwithhammer
depersonalisationdisorderweak?
Dr.Kennedy:explanationfortragicoutcome
6yearprisonsentence
DRmeansofimplementingmercy?

DRcasessince2006
DPPvCrowe(2009)shotvictimataparty(revengeforpriorshooting)PTSD(not
consideredattrial)alcoholanddrugproblem20yearprisonsentenceonappeal(shortof
life)

DRcasessince2006
DPPvEgan(2009)DbeattodeathcellmateinMountjoyTransferredfromCMHNot
givenhisantipsychoticmedicationSchizoaffectivedisorderLifesentence(noshortof
inthisinstance)JudgetookintoaccountrisktopublicLesstragiccircumstancesthan
ODwyer?

DPPvBurke(2010)Killedhusband23blowstotheheadwithahammerViolentand
abusivemarriageSeveredepressionDrinkingsince10amWeekpriortokillingDin
psychunitfollowingattemptedsuicide5yearsuspendedsentencefocusonvictimimpact
(children)similartoODwyer(parentsandsibling)

DRCasessince2006
DPPvIanHarman(unreported,13October2014)KilledIanTreanor(80,dementia)at
psychiatricunitofCavanGeneral.DRpleaacceptedbytheDPP.HkilledTusingabelt
andpillow.10years(2suspended)&2yearspostreleasesupervision.Mitigating
circumstancesremorse,guiltyplea,admission,cooperation.Needtobalancemental
disorderandneedtoprotectpublic.

DiminishedResponsibilitysince2006
Notableunsuccessfulcase:
DPPvCollins(2007)MandatorylifesentenceAlcoholandantidepressantsonmorning
ofkillingAlcoholdependencysyndrome?(contrastwithRvWoods[2009]1WLR496in
EnglandandWales)Expertsclashedondefinitionofmentaldisorder

NatureofDiminishedResponsibility:Offsettingmandatorylifesentence?Compensatingfor
insanitydefence?

Underlyingissues...

Ananomalyformalisationoflaw,riseofpsychiatryhasresultedinmercy(flexible)being
fittedintoastructuredlegalsystem
Welcomediffaireroutcome,butpatchesoverdeeperproblemspertainingtoinsanityand
MLS
Impedesreevaluationoflawfromfirstprinciples
Sentencingoptionsrequiredhospitalorder,restrictionsorder.PositioninIrelandcrude
Strictersentencingguidelines?UKhasastatutoryframework.Judgesmusthaveregard
for:a)psychreportb)reducedresponsibilityoftheoffenderc)potentialdangertothepublic

Infanticide
CLIA,2006,s.6applieswhere:Atthetimeoftheactoromissionthebalanceofhermind
wasdisturbedbyreasonofhernothavingfullyrecoveredfromtheeffectofgivingbirthtothe
childorbyreasonofmentaldisorderconsequentuponthebirthofthechild(s.22)Note:A
womanmaybechargedwithInfanticideinthefirstinstance(asopposedtomurder).

PropertyOffences

PropertyOffences:TheftBurglaryRobbery

PropertyOffences
CriminalJustice(TheftandFraudOffences)Act2001(the2001Act)
LINK:http://www.irishstatutebook.ie/2001/en/act/pub/0050/index.html
LawReformCommissioninTheLawRelatingtoDishonesty(LRC431992)

CoreOffencesunderCJ(TheftandFraudOffences)Act2001
Thefts.4ofthe2001Act
Robberys.14ofthe2001Act
Burglarys.12ofthe2001Act
AggravatedBurglarys.13ofthe2001Act

TheftPart2,2001Act:S.4(1):
Theftisthedishonestappropriationofpropertywithouttheconsentofitsownerandwith
theintentionofdeprivingitsownerofit.

TheftActusReus=
1.appropriationofproperty
2.ownershipofproperty
3.absenceofconsentofowner

MensRea=
1.dishonestappropriation

2.intentiontodeprive

TheftActusReus:PropertyS.2ofthe2001Act:
property=moneyandallotherproperty,realorpersonal,includingthingsinactionand
otherintangibleproperty
S.5exceptions,e.g.land.

ActusReus:Appropriations4(5)ofthe2001Act:
appropriatesusurpsoradverselyinterfereswiththeproprietaryrightsoftheownerof
theproperty.
DPPvSweeney[2014]IECA5:usurpsseizureofanothersproprietaryrights
Thedefendantsoldastolenvantoaninnocentparty,therebyusurpingthetrueowners
proprietaryrights.Usurptionthereforeinvolvesthecompleteseizureofanothersproprietary
rights
RvMorris(1983):adverselyinterfereswithownersinterests
Thedefendantswitchedthepricelabelononeproductwiththelabelonanother,cheaper
productandhadpaidthecheaperpriceatthecheckout.LordRoskillconfirmeditwas
unnecessarytoprovethatthedefendanthadinterferedwithalloftheownersproperty
rightsproofthathehadinterferedwithanyoftheownersrightswassufficient.

ActusReus:Ownership
Musthaveevidenceofownership,asdefinedunders.2(4):apersonshallberegarded
asowningpropertyifheorshehaspossessionorcontrolofit,orhasinitanyproprietary
rightorinterest.
DPPvValentine[2009]4IR33
...thejuryorjudgewillhavetoconsiderwhethertheevidenceissuchthatthepropertyin
questionisprovedtobeownedbythepersonunknownandthatanabsenceofconsentcan
beinferred.

TheftActusReus:Absenceofconsent
S.4(2)ItisnotappropriationwithoutconsentifDbelievesthatheorshehasthe
ownersconsent,orwouldhaveitifheknewoftheappropriationofthepropertyandthe
circumstancesinwhichitwasappropriatedorwhereitoccursinthebeliefthattheowner
cannotbediscoveredbytakingreasonablesteps.
Consentobtainedbydeceptionorintimidationisnotconsentforthesepurposes.

MensRea:Dishonestappropriation
S.2(1)ofthe2001Act:
dishonestlymeanswithoutaclaimofrightmadeingoodfaith.
Thisechoestheprecedingcommonlawdefinitionofdishonestysubjectivetest.

MensRea:Dishonestappropriation
DefenceHonestbeliefthatDwasentitledtoappropriatetheproperty.
E.g.Dbelievesheisrightfulowner,orhasrighttoappropriatepropertyindischargeofa
debt.

S.4(4)courtmusthaveregardtothepresenceorabsenceofreasonablegrounds,and
otherrelevantmatters,forholdingabeliefinaclaimofright.

MensRea:Dishonestappropriation
People(DPP)vOLoughlin[1979]IR85Applicantarguedhetookpropertyinthebelief
thathewasentitledtodosobecauseitsownerwouldnotpayhimmoneythatwasowing.
Aquantityofstolenmachinerywasfoundonthedefendantsland.Attrial,thedefendantwas
refusedpermissiontointroduceevidencethathehadbeenowedadebtbythemachinerys
ownerandhadbelievedthathewasentitledtotakethemachineryinlieuofthatdebt.The
courtofcriminalappealruledthatthisevidenceshouldhavebeenadmitted.
CCA(OHigginsC.J.)thequestionwhichshouldbeconsideredisnotwhethertheclaim
wasoneknowntothelawbutwhetheritwasoneinwhichtheaccusedbelievedhonestly,
andwhether,withthathonestbelief,whathedidcouldbeexcused.

MensRea:IntentiontoDepriveS.4(5)ofthe2001Act:deprivingmeanstemporarilyor
permanentlydepriving.
Knowledgeoftheneedtopayisrequired,ratherthanmererecklessness.

ROBBERY
S.14ofthe2001Act:
Apersonisguiltyofrobberyifheorshesteals,andimmediatelybeforeoratthetimeof
doingso,andinordertodoso,usesforceonanypersonorputsorseekstoputanyperson
infearofbeingthenandtheresubjectedtoforce.
Robbery=thefteffectedbytheuseorthreatofforce.
Potentiallifesentence.

ActusReus
Stealing(theftunders.4)
Forceorthreatofforce(beforeoratthetimeoftheft)
Forceorthreatmustbeforthepurposeofcarryingoutthetheft
Forceorthreatsmaybetargetedatanyperson,notnecessarilytheownerorpossessorof
thepropertyinquestion

MensRea
Intenttodeprive(aspertheft)
Threatsorforceintention(recklessuseofforceunlikelytosufficeforpurposesofrobbery
definition).
Seealso,DPPvMangan.
Twoelderynunswereinacarwhichhadstoppedatasetoftrafficlights.Thedefendant
smashedtherearpassengerwindowandgrabbedthehandbagthatwasonthebackseatof
thecar.Thedefendantsconvictionforrobberywasuphelddespitethefactthattheforce
hadbeendirectedatthecarwindowratherthandirectlyateitheroftheoccupants.

BURGLARY
S.12ofthe2001Act:

1.Enteringanybuildingorpartofabuildingasatrespasserandwithintenttocommitan
arrestableoffence,or
2.Enteringanybuildingorpartofabuildingasatrespasser,andcommitsorattemptsto
commitanarrestableoffence
12(4):arrestableoffencemeansanoffenceforwhichapersonoffullageandnot
previouslyconvictedmaybepunishedbyimprisonmentforatermoffiveyearsorbyamore
severepenalty.

ActusReus:
EntryintoBuilding[orparttherof]
TrespassMensRea:
Limb1:(s.12(1)(a))Ulteriorintentiontocommitanarrestableoffence
Limb2:(s.12(1)(b))Mensrearequirementofthearrestableoffencecommittedormens
reaofanattempttocommitanarrestableoffence.Burg

ActusReus:Entry
ConceptnotexploredbytheIrishcourts,butseeEnglandandWales.RvCollins[1973]3
WLR243
Thedefendant,nakedexcepthissocks,climbedaladdertoawindowsill,intendingto
commitarape.Theyoungwomanintheroommistookhimforherboyfriendandinvitedhim
in.Itwasheldthatadefendantmusthavemensreainordertoenterabuildingasa
trespasserforburglar.Itmustbeshownthatthedefendantwasawarethathisentry
constitutedatrespass.
Held:entryhadtobesubstantialandeffective.
Roomcouldbeenteredwhentheaccusedhadmovedtotheinnerwindowsill.RvBrown
[1985]CrimLR212
Held:entrybypartofthedefendantsbodysufficedtosatisfythedefinitionofthecrimeof
burglary.
RvRyan[1996]CrimLR320(stuckinthewindowcapableofconstitutingentry)
Thedefendanthadbecometrappedwithonlyhisheadandrightarminsidethebuilding.It
washeldthatthefactthathisentrywasinsufficienttocompletethispurposewasirrelevant.

ActusReus:Building
s12(2),buildingextendsto:[A]ninhabitedvehicleorvesselandtoanyotherinhabited
temporaryormovablestructure,andshallapplytoanysuchvehicle,vesselorstructureat
timeswhenthepersonhavingahabitationinitisnotthereaswellasattimeswhenthe
personisthere.

ActusReus:PartofBuilding
RvWalkington[1979]1WLR1169Denteredareainsideathreesidedcounterarea
withinadepartmentstore,wheretherewasatill.Heldexceededscopeofpermissionto
enterpremisesbyenteringpartofthebuildingwherenoconsentwasgiven.[Questionof
factforjury].

ActusReus:Trespass
RvJonesandSmith[EnglandandWales]

Thedefendantsenteredahouseownedbythefatheroftheseconddefendantwithan
intentiontosteal.Theseconddefendanthasthepermissionofhisfathertoenteratany
time,butnottoremoveanyofthearticlesfoundinthehouse.
CourtofAppealheldthatapersonwasatrespasserifheenteredthepremisesofanother
knowingthathewasenteringinexcessofthepermissionthathadbeengiventohim,orwas
recklessastowhetherhisentrywasinexcessofthepermission.
ApproachapprovedinIreland:DPPvMcMahon[1986]IR393
Membersofthegardaenteredalicensedpremises,believingtheyhadtheauthoritytodo
so,toinvestigateallegedoffencesagainstthegamingandlotteriesact1956.infact,theacts
reliedon,didnotgiveauthoritytoenterthepremisesforthatreason.Thecourttherefore
concludedthattheyhadexceededtheirauthority,andhadthereforeenteredastrespassers.

MensRea
Limb1:(s.12(1)(a))Ulteriorintentiontocommitanarrestableoffence
Limb2:(s.12(1)(b))Mensrearequirementofthearrestableoffencecommittedormens
reaofanattempttocommitanarrestableoffence
[MRforTrespassKnowledge/recklessness]

AGGRAVATEDBURGLARY
AggravatedBurglary
13(1)Apersonisguiltyofaggravatedburglaryifheorshecommitsanyburglaryandatthe
timehaswithhimorheranyfirearmorimitationfirearm,anyweaponofoffenceorany
explosive.
Potentialsentenceoflifeimprisonment.

A.MensRea
1.Burglary(unders.12)
2.Knowledgeofpossessionoftheweapon
Notnecessarytoproveanintentiontousetheweaponforburglary.
Notnecessarytoproveanintentiontousetheweapontocauseinjuryorincapacitation.

ConsolidatedLearning:
Homicide
1.Canyoudefinetheoffenceofmurder?
2.Whatisvoluntarymanslaughterandhowdoesitoperate?
3.Therearethreetypesofvoluntarymanslaughterdefineeachoneandexplainthekey
legislation/casesbriefly.
4.Whatisinvoluntarymanslaughterandhowdoesitoperate?
5.Therearetwotypeofinvoluntarymanslaughterdefineeachoneandexplainthekey
casesbriefly.

SEXUALOFFENCES


Statistics(RCNI2014):
93%perpetratorsknowntosurvivor
36%ofcaseswerereportedtoaformalauthority
98%perpetratorsaremale
42%F,28%Msexualabuseorassaultinlifetime(2011figures)

Disclosure:
1%Males
7.8%FemalesTheSAVIReport.SexualAbuseandViolenceinIreland.ANational
StudyofIrishExperiences,BeliefsandAttitudesConcerningSexualViolence2002).

RapeCrisisNetworklowattritionrate:1%approx.
Ofsexualoffenceswillendinconviction95%ofcasesreportedtotheGardaifalloutofthe
systembeforecourtadjudication

SexualOffences
Keylegislation:
CriminalLaw(Rape)Act1981
CriminalLaw(Rape)(Amendment)Act1990
CriminalLaw(SexualOffences)(Amendment)Act2007
CriminalLaw(SexualOffences)(Amendment)Bill2014(atSecondStage)

MainOffences:
Rape
Rapeunders.4ofthe1990Act
SexualAssault
AggravatedSexualAssault
Sexualactswithchildren
Intercoursewithmentallyimpairedpersons
Incest

RapeCriminalLaw(Rape)Act1981:
Amancommitsrapeif
2(1)(a)hehasunlawfulsexualintercoursewithawomanwhoatthetimeoftheintercourse
doesnotconsenttoit,and
(b)atthetimeheknowsthatshedoesnotconsenttotheintercourseorheisrecklessasto
whethershedoesordoesnotconsenttoit

ActusReus:
Penetration
Consent
NoteeffectofGenderRecognitionAct2015personcanbeliableifcommitsoffenceas
preferredgender:

S.23(4):(4)Apartofthebodysurgicallyconstructed(inparticularthroughgender
reassignmentsurgery)isthesame,forthepurposesofasexualoffence,asapartofthe
bodynotsosurgicallyconstructed.

ActusReusPenetration
s.63OAPA1861penetration
AGvDermody[1956]IR307slightestpenetrationsufficient
RvKaitamaki[1985]AC147continuingact

ActusReusPenetration
s6,CriminalLaw(Rape)(Amendment)Act1990abolishedcommonlawpresumptionthat
aboyundertheageof14couldnotcommitapenetrativeact.
Butinfancydefencecanstillapplies.
Ageofcriminalresponsibility12years(ChildrenAct2001,s52)
Loweredto10years:Rape,Rapeunders4,aggravatedsexualassault

ActusReusConsent
ConsentinthecontextofsexualrelationshipswasconsideredinDPPvC[2001]3IR345.
MurrayJ.said
Consentbymeansvoluntaryagreementoracquiescencetosexualintercoursebyaperson
oftheageofconsentwiththerequisitementalcapacity.Knowledgeorunderstandingof
factsmaterialtotheactbeingconsentedtoisnecessaryfortheconsenttobevoluntaryor
constituteacquiescence.

Consent=voluntaryagreementoracquiescencetosexualintercoursebyapersonofthe
ageofconsentwiththerequisitementalcapacity.
Knowledgeorunderstandingofthefactsmaterialtotheactbeingconsentedtois
necessaryfortheconsenttobevoluntaryorconstituteacquiescence.

ActusReusConsent
RvLarterandCastletonCAnoconsentwherevictimasleepatthetimeofsexual
intercourse.
RvHowardIfvictimdoesnothavetheunderstandingandknowledgetodecidewhether
toconsentorresist,whetherbyage,disabilityorillness,consentisnotpresent.

RapeActusReusConsentExemptions:
Atcommonlawrapecouldbecommittedbyanymaleperson,except:Ahusbandcould
notrapehiswifeandAboyunder14wasirrebuttablypresumedphysicallyincapableof
rape.s.51990Actabolishesmaritalrapeexemption.ChildrensAct2001reduces
criminalresponsibilityto10yearsinrespectofrapeandotheroffences.
ActusReusConsentMaritalrapeexemptionabolished:s.51990Act:(2)Criminal
proceedingsagainstamaninrespectoftherapebyhimofhiswifeshallnotbeinstituted
exceptbyorwiththeconsentoftheDPP.

1990Act,s.9:...inrelationtoanoffencethatconsistsoforincludesthedoingofanactto
apersonwithouttheconsentofthatpersonanyfailureoromissionbythatpersontooffer
resistancetotheactdoesnotofitselfconstituteconsenttotheact.

ActusReusConsentConsentobtainedbyFraudIdentitycases:
RvDee(1844)15CoxCC579
Awomanwentupstairstoherbedroomandfellasleepwhileherhusbandwasoutfishing.A
mancameintoherroom,wakingher.Shespoketohimbuthemadenoanswer.He
penetratedher,andatthatpoint,sherealisedthatthemanwasnotherhusbandasshehad
assumed.ThedefendanttriedtorelyonEnglishdecisions,butthecourtrejectedthemas
revoltingtothecommonsense.The1884actthereforecodifiedthepositionalready
reachedbytheIrishcourts.Itdoesnot,however,applytononmarriedpartners.
RvElbekkay[1995]CrimLr163
PapadimitropoulosvR[1957]98CLR249(Australia)

ActusReusConsentobtainedbyfraudDPPvC[2001]3IR345
Dandcomplainantathouseparty.
ComplainantasleepinbedroomwhenDgotintobedandhadsexualintercoursewithher.
ComplainantawokewhenDenteredroom,whileshehadacquiesced,sheunderstooditto
beherboyfriend.
NoactiveattemptbyDtoimpersonateherboyfriend.

CCA:MurrayJ:
ItisnotthelawthatifawomanconsentstosexualintercoursewithAbelievinghimtobe
anotherpersonthatAcannotbeconvictedofrapeeventhoughheknowsshedoesnot
consenttohavingsexwithhimorisrecklessastowhethershedoesordoesnotconsentto
it.
ProsecutionmustestablishBRDthatDeitherknowsthereisanabsenceofconsentoris
recklessastowhetherthereisanabsenceofconsentornot.

ActusReusConsent
Fraudastothenatureandqualityoftheactofsexualintercoursevitiatesconsent.
RvWilliams[1923]1KB340
Thedefendanthadsexwiththevictimonthepretextthathewasimprovinghersingingvoice
bymakinganairpassage.Althoughshedidnotrefuseorresist,hewasconvictedofrape.
RvFlattery(1877)2QBD410
Thedefendanthadintercoursewithagirlwhilepretendingtoperformsurgery.Thegirl
submitted,butthedefendantwasstillconvictedduetofraud.

Inbothcases,thewomenhadconsentedtotheproceedurethedefendanthadsaidthey
weregoingtocarrtout,ratherthantothosethatwereactuallycarriedout.

Consentonthebasisofanextremelyfraudulentpromise.Inthesecases,thedefendantis
notguiltyofrape,becausethewomanwasfullyawareofthedefendantssexualintentions.
RvLinekar[1995]3AllER

Thedefendantfraudulentlyofferedtopaythecomplainantforsexualintercourse.The
complainantagreedonthisbasis,butafterwardsthedefendantrefusedtopaythemoney.
Theprosecutioncasewasthatthecomplainantwasinducedtogiveherconsentonfootofa
fraudulentpromiseifthispromisehadnotbeengiven,shewouldnothaveagreedtothe
intercouse.Thecourtofappealheldthatmerepresenceoffraudwasinsufficienttonegate
thecomplainantsconsenttointercourse.Thecomplainanthadagreedtohaveintercourse,
afactthatwasnotchangedbecauseheragreementwasinducedbyafalsepretence.

DPPvKeogh[2009]IECCA93
R(F)vDPP[2013]EWHC945
Thedefendantinducedthecomplainanttoagreetosexualintercoursebypromisingnotto
ejaculateintohervagina,apromisethathedidnotintendtokeep.Thecourtofappealheld:
Contrarytoherwishes,andknowingthatshewouldnothaveconsented,anddidnot
consenttopenetrationorthecontinuationofpenetrationifshehadanyinklingofhis
intention,hedeliberatelyejeculatedwithinhervagina.Inlaw,thiscombinationof
circumstancesfallswithinthestatutorydefinitionofrape.

FraudastotheexistenceofHIVorotherdiseases
RvClarence(1888)
Thedefendantfailedtoinformhiswifethathewassufferingfromgonorrheaandheinfected
her.Byamajority,thecourtheldthatnoassaulthadoccured,becauseasstephenJ.putit,
thewomansconsentherewasasfullandconsciousasconsentcanbe.Moderncourts
havetakenadifferentview.
RvCuerrier[1998]2SCR371
RvDica[2004]EWCACrim1103
Theprosecutionarguedthatthedefendantssexualpartnerswouldhaveconsentedtohave
sexualintercoursewithhimiftheyhadknownofhisHIVstatus.JudgeLJheldthattheir
ignoranceofthedefendantsconditionmeantthattherewasnoreasonforthemtothinkthat
theywererunninganyriskofinfection,andtheywerenotconsentingtoit.onthisbasis,
therewouldbenoconsentsufficientinthelawtoprovidetheappellantwithadefencetothe
chargeof[aggravatedassault].
RvKonzani[2005]EWCACrim706
Thedefendanthadunprotectedsexwiththreewomen,notinformingthemofhisHIVstatus.
Thecourtofappealheldthatthereisacriticaldistinctionbetweentakingariskofthe
various,potentiallyadverseandpossiblyproblematicconsequencesofsexualintercourse,
andgivinganinformedconsenttotheriskofinfectionwithafataldisease.Thecourt
concludedthatthewomansconsentwasnotinformed,andtheycouldnotgiveaninformed
consenttosomethingofwhich[theywere]ignorant.

ConsentandIntoxication
Howintoxicatedmustacomplainantbetolackcapacitytoconsent?
RvCamplin(1845)9JP424
Thedefendantcausedthevictimtobecomeverydrunk,andlaterhadsexwithher.Hewas
convictedofrape,becausethegirlwasincapableofgivingrealconsentduetoher
intoxication.

RvLang(1976)62CrAppR50
Thecourtofappealmadeitclearthatitisnotthedrinkthatisimportant,buttheeffectofthe
drinkonawomansstateofmind.Whereherstateofmindissoaffectedbyalcoholthatshe
isincapableofexercisingjudgment,shecannotbetakentohavegivenconsent.Howeverin
thiscase,thewoman,byherdetailedevidence,demonstratedthatherjudgmenthadnot
beenimpaired.
RvBree[2007]2AllER676
Thedefendanthadsexualintercoursewithawoman,claimingthatshehadconsented
despitebeingdrunk.Thecourtofappealsummarisedthelawasfollows:
If,throughdrink(orforanyotherreason)thecomplainanthastemporarilylosthercapacity
tochoosewhethertohavesexualintercourseontherelevantoccasion,sheisnot
consenting,andsubjecttotoquestionsaboutthedefendantsstateofmind,ifintercourse
takesplace,thiswouldberape.However,wherethecomplainanthasvoluntarilyconsumed
evensubstantialquantitiesofalcohol,butneverthelessremainscapableofchoosing
whetherornottohaveintercourse,andindrinkagreestodoso,thiswouldnotberape.

ConsentvitiatedbyFear
RvOlugboja[1982]QB320thereisadifferencebetweenconsentandsubmission
everyconsentinvolvesasubmission,butitbynomeansfollowsthatameresubmission
involvesconsent....
Thedefendant,aNIgerianstudyinglawatoxford,hadintercoursewitha16yearoldgirl,J,
atafriendsbungalowfollowingadisco.Jhadalreadybeenrapedbythefriend,andshe
hadaskedtobeleftalone.NeverthelessthedefendanttoldJthatheintendedtohave
intercoursewithherandinsistedsheremovehertrousers,whichshedidoutoffear.He
proceededtohaveintercoursewithherandshedidnotresist.Thedefendantlatertold
policethatwhileJhadnotinitiallyconsentedtointercourse,hehadpersuadedher.The
courtofappealheldthatajuryinarapetrialshouldbetoldthatsubmissionandconsentare
notthesameeveryconsentinvolvessubmission,butnoteverysubmissioninvolves
consent.

ThePassiveVictimandConsent
Forconsenttobevalid,theindividualmustretainthecapacitytoconsent.
DPPvX(1995)
RvMalone(1998)2CrimAppR447
Section9oftheCL(R)(A)Act1990:...[I]nrelationtoanoffencethatconsistsofor
includesthedoingofanacttoapersonwithouttheconsentofthatpersonanyfailureor
omissionbythatpersontoofferresistancetotheactdoesnotofitselfconstituteconsentto
theact.

RapeMensReaMensReaConsentCriminalLaw(Rape)Act1981:
Amancommitsrapeif2(1)(a)hehasunlawfulsexualintercoursewithawomanwhoatthe
timeoftheintercoursedoesnotconsenttoit,and
(b)atthetimeheknowsthatshedoesnotconsenttotheintercourseorheisrecklessasto
whethershedoesordoesnotconsenttoit.

S.2(2)1981Act:...ifatatrialforarapeoffencethejuryhastoconsiderwhetheraman
believedthatawomanwasconsentingtosexualintercourse,thepresenceorabsenceof
reasonablegroundsforsuchabeliefisamattertowhichthejuryistohaveregard,in
conjunctionwithanyotherrelevantmatters,inconsideringwhetherhesobelieved.

MensreaConsent
Honestbutunreasonablebeliefinconsent
DPPvMorgan[1976]AC182
providesbasisforsection2ofthe1981act.Ahusbandinvitedthreeofhisfriendshometo
havesexwithhiswife.hetoldthemshewouldpretendtostruggleandfight,butthatthey
shouldpaynoattentintothisasitwasallpartofthefun.theywenttothehusbandshome
andhadsexwiththewife,despitethewomansattemptstofightthemoff.Thefriendswere
convictedofrapeandthehusbandwasconvictedofaidingandabettingrape.Thefriends
appealedonthegroundsthatitwasnotnecessary,asthetrialjudgehadinstructedthejury,
foranhonestmistaketobereasonableinordertoexcuseliabilityforrape.Theyarguedan
honestbelief,whetherornotitwasbasedonreasonablegrounds,wasinconsistentwiththe
presenceofmensreawhichwasakeyelementoftheprosecutionscase.Ifthejurywas
satisfiedthattheyhadactedundersuchabelief,thejurywouldhavetoconcludethatthe
prosecutionhadfailedtoproveitscase,andreturnaverdictofacquittal.Thelordsupheld
theconvictionsonothergrounds,butonthispoint,amajorityofthelordsagreed.Whena
mangenuinelybelievesthatawomanisconsenting,norapeoccurs.Thisissoevenwhere
thebeliefismistakenandunreasonable.
DPPvF(1993,CCA,unreported)
Thecourtofcriminalappealnotedthatinsomecriminalcases,thecircumstanceswillbe
suchthatthatwassoobviousthatthevictimwasnotconsentingthatthejurywillsimplynot
believethedefendant.
DPPvGaffey(1991,CCA,unreported)
Thedefendantandthevictimkneweachother.Thevictimaskedthedefendantforalifton
hismotorcycle.Theywenttoagraveyard,wheretheyhadintercourse.Thedefendant
arguedconsentandreliedonvariousstatementsallegedlymadebythecomplainant.Itwas
heldthatsection2(2)wasrelevantandshouldhavebeenincludedinthetrialjudges
summary.Asithadbeenomitted,aretrialwasordered.

ReformintheUKSexualOffencesAct2003
Inadditiontorequiringintentionalpenetrationofthevagina,anusormouthwithapenis,
theaccusedmusthaveareasonablebeliefthatthevictimconsented.
Seefurther,Campbelletal,chapter16.

DiscussionQuestion
Groupsof24
Q:Shouldthelawplaceapositivedutyonamantoaskawomanwhetherornotshewants
toengageinsexualintercoursepriortotheact?
AnswerYesorNo?Giveatleast1reasonforyouranswer

Rape

Currentlawstillraisesquestionsastowhatconstitutesreasonablebeliefinmany
circumstances.
Theshortskirtargument...
Theresponse....https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h95IL3CZ8
Argumentforapositivedutytoask?

Rapeundersection4
SexualAssault
AggravatedSexualAssault
Incest
DefilementofaChild
Sexualactivitywithmentallyillpersons

Rapeundersection4
S.4CriminalLaw(Rape)(Amendment)Act1990
LawReformCommission,ReportonRapeandAlliedOffencesLRC241988(Dublin:Law
ReformCommission,1988)

Rapeunders4of1990Act
4(1)InthisActrapeundersection4meansasexualassaultthatincludes:(a)
penetration(howeverslight)oftheanusormouthbythepenis,or(b)penetration(however
slight)ofthevaginabyanyobjectheldormanipulatedbyanotherperson.

Onproblemofgenderneutraloffences,seeRvChase(1987)37CCC(3d)97(Canada)
Onconsent,seeRvBrown(1994NFOAP)
Thedefendantshadbeenengagedinfullyconsensualhomosexualsadomasochism,during
whichtheyinflictedinjuriesoneachother.Themajorityofthehouseoflordsruledthatthe
consentofthepartieswasirrelevant.
Policyreasonsdictatethattheindividualsshouldnotbepermittedtoinflictinjuriesupon
eachother.

SexualAssaults.21990Act2(1)Theoffenceofindecentassaultuponanymaleperson
andtheoffenceofindecentassaultonanyfemalepersonshallbeknownassexualassault.
[ActusReusindecentassaultundercommonlawMensReaintentionorrecklessness]

Assault
Followscommonlawdefinition(unlikelytohavesamemeaningasunders.2NFOAPAct
1997)
DoolanvDPP[1992]2I.R.399:indecentassaultinvolvestheuseofunlawfulforce,
threatenedorperpetratedagainstanotherperson.

SexualAssaultAssaultForceelement:
Assaultrequirescontactorthreat,butinvitationnotsufficient:
FaircloughvWhipp(1951)

Thedefendantinvitedachildtotouchhispenis.Itwasheldthatmereinvitationcould
constituteanindecentassault.Ifthedefendanthadforcedthegirltotouchhim,orhad
advancedtowardsher,thesituationwouldhavebeendifferent.
(DPP)RvRogers(1953)
Thedefendantwasacquittedofindecentassaulthavingontwooccasionsputhisarm
aroundhisyoungdaughtersshouldersandguidedherupstairs,whereheaskedherto
masterbatehim.

AssaultHostilityelement:
RvRolfe(1952)ifthereissomeactionbytheaccusedwhichmakesVthinkthats/hewill
betouched,thismeetsthehostilityrequirement
Thedefendantexposedhimselftothevictim,movedtotowardsherandaskedhertohave
sexwithhim.Hisconvictionwasupheldonthebasisthatbymovingtowardsherthe
defendantcommittedanassault,andhiswordsconstitutedindecentcircumstances.
FaulknervTalbot(1981)wherethereisphysicalcontactthereisnorequirementofhostility

Assault
[NoteintroductionofCriminalLaw(SexualOffences)Bill2015:
4.(1)Apersonwho,forsexualpurposes,invites,induces,counselsorincitesachild
(under15)totouch,withapartofthebodyorwithanobject,thebodyofanyperson,
includingthebodyofthepersonwhosoinvites,induces,counselsorincitesandthebodyof
thechild,shallbeguiltyofanoffenceandshallbeliableonconvictiononindictmentto
imprisonmentforatermnotexceeding14years.]

IndecencyRvCourt(1987)QB156
3typesofbehaviourthatcouldraisetheissueofindecency
1.behaviourthatisnotobjectivelyrecognisedasindecent,butyetprovidestheaccusedwith
sexualpleasure(notanoffence)
2.behaviourthatisinherentlyindecentandisobjectivelyrecognisedassuch(anoffence)
and
3.circumstancedependentindecency(couldbeanoffence).
Thedefendant,ashopassistant,struckatwelveyearoldgirl,whowasintheshop,onthe
buttocks12times.

Onthedefenceofconsenttosexualassault,seenotesonconsenttoassaultgenerally
(NonfatalOffencesAgainstthePerson).

AggravatedSexualAssault
S.3ofthe1990Act:3.(1)InthisActaggravatedsexualassaultmeansasexualassault
thatinvolvesseriousviolenceorthethreatofseriousviolenceorissuchastocauseinjury,
humiliationordegradationofagravenaturetothepersonassaulted.(2)Apersonguiltyof
aggravatedsexualassaultshallbeliableonconvictiononindictmenttoimprisonmentforlife.

Incest
PunishmentofIncestAct1908

Incestbymale:vaginalintercoursewithmother,sister,daughter,granddaughter.
Maximumpenaltyislifeimprisonment.
Incestbyfemale:17yearsoroldersexualintercoursewithbrother,father,son,
grandfather.Maximumpenaltyissevenyearsimprisonment.
[NoteCriminalLaw(SO)Bill2015increasesmaxpenaltytolifeimprisonment]

ExploitativeSexualOffences
DefilementofaChild
[Childpornographyandtrafficking]
MentallyIllPersons

DefilementofaChild
CriminalLaw(SexualOffences)Act2006,s.2:
Offencetoengage,orattempttoengage,inasexualactwithachildundertheageof15
years.
Sexualact=sexualintercourse,buggery,s.4rape,aggravatedsexualassault.Max.
sentence=lifeimprisonment.Consentisnodefence.
Honestmistakedefence.

DefilementofaChild
CriminalLaw(SexualOffences)Act2006,s.3:
Offencetoengageorattempttoengageinasexualactwithachildlessthan17years.
Max.sentence=5yearsimprisonment(10yearsifpersoninauthority).
Consentisnodefence.Honestmistakedefence.

DefilementofaChildIssues:
NoprovisionforRomeoandJulietclause
Notes.3(10)notsubjecttosexregisterprovisionifnotmorethan24monthsolderthan
victim.ConsentfromDPP.
S.5femalesunder17notguiltyofoffenceunderActbyengaginginsexualintercourse.
GirlU17whohassexwithboyU17doesnotcommitoffence,butboydoes.
MD(aminor)vIreland[2012]IESC10
Applicantchallengedtheconstitutionalityofthe2006actinequalitygrounds.TheSupreme
Court,upheldastatute,notingthattheoireachtasisentitledtoenactdifferentlevelsof
protectiontoreflectdifferentlevelsofrisk.Younggirlsengaginginsexualintercoursefacea
riskofpregnancythatdoesnotaffectyoungman.

CCvIreland[2006]IESC33
Thedefendanthasengagedinsexualintercoursewithayoungwomanbelievinghertobe
16whenshewas14.

2applicantschargedunderCriminalLaw(Amendment)Act1935inrelationtogirlU15
(unlawfulcarnalknowledgeofaminor).
CCarguedhebelievedgirlwasover15andthatshehadconsented.
Judicialreview:soughtdeclarationthat:Reasonablebeliefastoageconstitutesa
defenceInthealternative,exclusionofdefenceisunconstitutional(strictliability,Art40)

Held(S.Ct.):s.1(1)of1935Actunconstitutional

AvGovernorofArbourHillPrison[2006]IESC45
Achallengedlegitimacyofdetentionafterconvictionunders.1(1)of1935Act(following
CC).
HighCourtreleasedA.
SupremeCourt
Governorsappealsuccessful
Arearrested.
DenhamJ:noexpressprincipleofretrospectiveapplicationofunconstitutionalityinthe
Constitution...suchaprinciplewouldbringdisordertosocietydisproportionatetothebenefit
tobeachieved.

Reform
CriminalLaw(SexualOffences)Bill2015
Intendstoconfirmthattheageofconsentforsexualactivityis17whileacknowledging
relationshipsandexperimentationamongpeersbyintroducingadefencewheretheparties
areagedwithintwoyearsofeachother:ProximityofAgeDefence.
LinktoBillhere

MentallyIllPersonsCurrentlaw:
S.5CriminalLaw(SexualOffences)Act1993:Sexualintercourseorbuggery(or
attempt)withapersonwhoismentallyimpairedisanoffence.mentallyimpaired
disorderofthemind,whetherthroughmentalhandicapormentalillness,whichisofsucha
natureordegreeastorenderapersonincapableoflivinganindependentlifeorofguarding
againstseriousexploitation.Honestmistakedefence.MarriageDefence

MentallyIllPersons
Reform:DepartmentofJusticeandEquality,DiscussionPaperonSexualOffences
againstVulnerablePersonsLRCReportonSexualOffencesandCapacitytoConsent
(2013)(functionaltest)CriminalLaw(SexualOffences)(Amendment)Bill2015:
Amendsection5of1993Actwith:Offenceofabuseofpositionofdependenceandtrust.

NextWeek...NonfatalOffencesAgainstthePerson
LEGISLATION:NFOAPAct1997,ss28
CASENOTE:RvBrown[1993]2AllER75
Textbooks:Hanly,chapter19Campbelletal,chapter15
LawReformCommissionReportonNonFatalOffencesAgainstthePerson,1994
Suggestedjournalarticles:Bacik,StrikingaBlowforReform?(1997)7I.C.L.J.48
Byrne,NonFatalOffencesAgainstthePersonAct1997[1998]16I.L.T.245