What is a defining feature of strict liability in criminal law?

A defining feature of strict liability in criminal law is that actus reus, or the physical act of the crime, is sufficient for conviction. In strict liability offenses, the prosecution does not need to prove mens rea, which refers to the mental state or intention behind the crime. This means that if the defendant is found to have committed the actus reus, they may be convicted regardless of whether they had any intention to commit an offense or acted with negligence.

Strict liability is often applied in regulatory offenses where the public interest in ensuring compliance with laws or regulations is prioritized over individual culpability. As such, it allows for penalties to be imposed to promote adherence to laws, particularly in areas like environmental protection, public health, and safety. The rationale behind this is that the mere fact of engaging in the prohibited conduct is sufficient to uphold the law's standards.

This context helps clarify why options like the necessity to prove mens rea or the defense's burden to prove innocence are not aligned with the nature of strict liability offenses, which focus on the act rather than the individual's mindset.