Practice question
An accused deliberately commits proved unlawful property destruction to protect a friend’s reputation. The accused argues the protective reason necessarily makes the act unintentional. What is the relevant distinction?
- The victim’s loss is the only mental element
- A protective motive always makes an act accidental
- Intent cannot coexist with concern for a friend
- Every sympathetic reason supplies legal justification
- Protecting reputation is the motive; deliberate unlawful destruction concerns intent
Legal references
- People v. Ballesteros, GR120921, January29 1998, main decision, intent and motive: https://lawphil.net/judjuris/juri1998/jan1998/gr_120921_1998.html
- Revised Penal Code, Articles3-4 and49, as applicable: https://lawphil.net/statutes/acts/act1930/act_3815_1930.html
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