Final answer:
Strict liability crimes, defined by statute, do not require proof of intent. They are illegal acts that warrant liability solely based on the performance of the act, which is essential for public welfare and policy.
Step-by-step explanation:
Strict liability crimes are offenses that do not require proof of the defendant's intent to commit the crime. Primary requirements for these types of crimes include the performance of an illegal act that is defined explicitly by statute. Unlike most other criminal offenses, strict liability crimes do not consider the individual's state of mind at the time the offense was committed.
For example, selling alcohol to minors is a strict liability crime in many jurisdictions. Even if the seller believed the buyer was of legal age, the act itself triggers liability. Courts have enacted strict liability crimes to protect public welfare and ensure certain regulations are strictly followed as a matter of public policy.
Statutes are critical in defining the parameters of strict liability crimes and are typically clear-cut to warrant enforcement without the consideration of the defendant's knowledge or intent. It is important for individuals and businesses to be aware of these statutes to avoid inadvertent violations.