Which category of offences does not require proof of mens rea?

• A. Strict liability offences
• B. Indictable offences
• C. Offences against the person
• D. Public order offences

Answer: (A)

Mens rea, the mental state behind a crime, isn’t required in strict liability offences. In these cases the law imposes liability regardless of whether the person intended to commit the act or knew it was wrong. The prosecution only needs to prove the act occurred (and any other statutory facts). This makes enforcement easier in areas like safety, health, and regulation, where proving intent would be too difficult or unnecessary. By contrast, offences against the person, public order offences, and indictable offences generally involve some fault element—intent, recklessness, or knowledge—which means proof of mens rea is part of establishing liability. So the category that does not require proof of mens rea is strict liability offences.