Example of a strict liability offense.

• A. Theft
• B. Assault
• C. Fraud
• D. Selling age-restricted goods to a minor

Answer: (D)

Strict liability offenses require no proof that the defendant intended to commit the wrongdoing or was reckless about it. The prohibited conduct itself is enough for liability, though a defence like due diligence can sometimes operate for certain offences. Selling age-restricted goods to a minor fits this idea: the law focuses on preventing underage access, so liability arises if a sale is made to someone under the legal age, even if the seller genuinely believed the buyer was old enough or had no idea of the buyer’s age. The seller’s state of mind isn’t the element the law needs to establish. By contrast, theft, assault, and fraud all rely on the defendant’s mental state—intent to deprive, intentional or reckless use of force, or dishonest misrepresentation—so they are not strict liability offenses.