Practice question
In a theft prosecution, credible evidence establishes that the accused took the property under an honest claim that it was his own, rather than intending to steal another's property. Is the physical taking alone conclusive of the required criminal intent?
- Yes; every physical taking is theft.
- Yes; good faith can never be examined.
- Yes; title disputes automatically prove criminal intent.
- No; the required intent must still be established, and an honest claim of ownership is relevant.
- No; because every assertion of ownership automatically defeats prosecution.
Legal references
- https://lawphil.net/statutes/acts/act1930/act_3815_1930.html — Revised Penal Code Article3.
- https://elibrary.judiciary.gov.ph/thebookshelf/showdocs/1/69216 — Amarille v. People, G.R.256022, August7 2023, MAIN opinion on actus reus, mens rea, and good-faith claim of ownership; not appended concurrence.
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