Alternative Circumstances
and Absolutory Causes
CRIMINAL LAW 1 (GROUP 5)
Group 5 Members
Benjie Sabanal
Christian Dave Villaram
Eric S. Sayson
Jaymar Sevilla
John Michael Villar
Kyle Soliman
Paulino Tayapad
Mike Tuparan
Introduction
In criminal law, certain circumstances can alter the
legal outcome of a case, either as alternative
circumstances or as absolutory causes that absolve
liability. Understanding these concepts is crucial for
legal professionals and students alike.
ALTERNATIVE CIRCUMSTANCES
1. Relationships
Explanation: The relationship between the defendant and the
victim can influence the severity of the crime or penalties.
Example: Domestic violence between spouses.
Scenario: John assaults his wife, Jane. The intimate relationship
increases the severity of the charges compared to an assault by
a stranger.
Analysis: The legal system often imposes stricter penalties in
domestic violence cases due to the breach of trust.
ALTERNATIVE CIRCUMSTANCES
2. Intoxication
Explanation: Intoxication can impact the defendant's
culpability or the severity of the crime.
Example: DUI (Driving Under the Influence).
Scenario: Sarah, heavily intoxicated, drives and causes an
accident. Her intoxication is central to the DUI charge.
Analysis: While intoxication does not excuse the crime, it is
the main element in DUI cases leading to severe penalties.
ALTERNATIVE CIRCUMSTANCES
3. Degree of Education/Instruction
Explanation: The defendant’s education or training can affect their
understanding of their actions.
Example: A doctor illegally prescribing medications.
Scenario: Dr. Smith prescribes controlled substances without a valid
medical reason. His medical training implies higher responsibility.
Analysis: Professionals are held to higher standards due to their
knowledge and training, resulting in harsher penalties for
misconduct.
ABSOLUTORY CAUSES
1. Instigation vs. Entrapment
Explanation: Instigation absolves the defendant if law
enforcement induces them to commit a crime; entrapment does
not.
Example: Undercover operations.
Scenario: Police convince Mike to commit theft. This is
instigation and can absolve Mike.
Analysis: Mike would not have committed the crime without
police inducement, leading to absolution.
ABSOLUTORY CAUSES
2. Pardon by the Offended Party
Explanation: The victim's pardon can absolve the defendant
from liability in specific cases.
Example: Simple theft.
Scenario: Lucy steals Anna’s wallet. Anna forgives Lucy and
does not press charges.
Analysis: Certain jurisdictions allow the victim’s pardon to
absolve the defendant, ending legal proceedings.
ABSOLUTORY CAUSES
3. Other Absolutory Causes
Explanation: Various other factors can absolve the defendant,
such as self-defense or necessity.
Example: Self-defense.
Scenario: Tom attacks Jerry, who then defends himself
causing harm to Tom. Jerry is absolved.
Analysis: Jerry’s actions are justified as self-defense,
absolving him of criminal liability.
ABSOLUTORY CAUSES
4. Acts Not Covered by Law and Excessive Punishment
Explanation: Acts not explicitly covered by law or where punishment is
deemed excessive can lead to absolution.
Example: Novel legal scenarios.
Scenario: A person uses a new technology in a way not anticipated by
current laws, causing harm.
Analysis: If the law does not cover this act, the defendant may be
absolved. Additionally, if punishment for an act is excessively harsh
compared to the crime, it may be reconsidered.
Conclusion:
Understanding alternative circumstances and
absolutory causes is essential in criminal law as they
can significantly impact the legal outcomes and the
administration of justice. These concepts help ensure
that the legal system fairly considers the context and
specifics of each case, whether aggravating or
mitigating factors are present.
