Mistake of Fact

Honest mistakes of fact may negate mens rea; reasonable mistakes can negate general intent.

Related Defenses rules

• Self-DefenseNon-aggressors may use reasonable force when they reasonably believe force is necessary to prevent imminent harm.
• Defense of OthersA defender may use reasonable force when the third party would be justified in using force.
• Defense of PropertyReasonable, non-deadly force may protect property; deadly force is never allowed solely to protect property.
• DuressDuress is a defense when a defendant is coerced by imminent threat of deadly or serious harm; not a defense to…
• Insanity TestsMBE recognizes M'Naghten, irresistible impulse, Durham, and MPC substantial capacity tests.
• Intoxication DefenseVoluntary intoxication may negate specific intent; involuntary intoxication is a complete defense.
• Mistake of LawMistake of law is generally no defense unless reliance on an official interpretation.
• EntrapmentEntrapment occurs when law enforcement induces crime and the defendant was not predisposed.

Part of Criminal Law on Core Legal Rules — foundational MBE-tested principles with primary-source citations.