Delusion and Ignorance in the Structure of Guilt: Criminal Law Aspect

Abstract

Guilt in criminal law in its essence is a very complex category, but at the same time, it is the main feature of the subjective side of the crime, which predetermines its rigorous and precise establishment within the framework of the classification of the crime. The paper states that the greatest difficulty in establishing guilt is in terms of subjective error, where the prerequisites are delusion and ignorance. At the same time, the non-identical nature of these concepts is emphasized. Based on a psychological and philosophical analysis, the author draws a conclusion about the causes of delusion and ignorance in criminal law relations, which are a defect in perception and a defect in information content. Taking into account the indicated reasons, as well as judicial enforcement practice, the author concludes that the main criterion for establishing guilt in terms of delusion or ignorance is an element of good faith. Given its application, the paper proposes levels of types of delusion and ignorance, and further their role in establishing the mental attitude of a person to a committed criminal act.