R v Prince

Regina v. Prince, L.R. 2 C.C.R. 154 (1875), was an English case that held the mens rea necessary for criminal liability should be required for the elements central to the wrongfulness of the act, and that strict liability should apply to the other elements of the statute.

Henry Prince was accused of abducting a 14 year old girl, Annie Phillips, having believed her to be 18 years old. Such an act was at that time in violation of Article 55. Prince argued that he had made a reasonable mistake in regards to Phillips' age. Despite his excuse for the crime, he was ultimately convicted.