Mistake Under the Model Penal Code: Mistake as to Elements of Offenses

This lesson looks at the treatment of mistakes of fact and law as they relate to elements of offenses under the Model Penal Code.

Learning Outcomes

On completion of the lesson, students will be able to:
1. Discuss how ignorance or mistake of fact or law affects an actor's criminal responsibility under the Model Penal Code.
2. Describe the relationship between the required state of mind and mistake.
3. Explain how the MPC deals with claims of ignorance and mistake in contrast to the common law.
4. Apply the MPC rules regarding ignorance of law and mistake as to an element of an offense to any statute.