Law A-Level
The Correspondence Principle
What The Correspondence Principle means in Law A-Level, as defined for AQA.
Definitions of The Correspondence Principle
Exam boards and our study guides word this term in slightly different ways. Learn the version your board uses.
The doctrine that the Mens Rea must relate specifically to the prohibited consequence or circumstance of the Actus Reus, ensuring that the defendant is only liable for the harm they intended or foresaw.
The legal requirement, or lack thereof, for the defendant's mens rea to match the specific level of harm caused by their actus reus, particularly relevant in Section 47 and Section 20 OAPA 1861.
Topics that use The Correspondence Principle
- Criminal law (AQA A-Level)
Related terms
- Actus reus
- Appropriation
- Dishonesty
- Justification vs Excuse
- Legal Liberalism and Autonomy
- Legislative Reform
- Mens rea
- Public Policy and Consent
Using The Correspondence Principle in the exam
Definition questions usually carry one or two marks, and examiners look for the precise wording. Write the definition from memory, check it against the version above, and then use the term in a longer answer on the same topic so it sticks.
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