Intoxication as a Defence

🍻 Intoxication as a Defence – Criminal Law Flowchart

Understand when intoxication can (and cannot) be used as a defence in English & Welsh criminal law!
This Intoxication as a Defence Flowchart simplifies the complicated rules governing voluntary and involuntary intoxication, mens rea, and their impact on liability. Perfect for law students, legal professionals, and educators, this visual guide helps you master one of the trickiest areas of criminal defences in a clear, concise format.

📘 Key Topics Covered:

• Voluntary vs Involuntary Intoxication – Legal distinctions and their effect on criminal liability (R v Kingston, R v Allen, R v Hardie)

• Specific Intent vs Basic Intent Crimes – How intoxication interacts with offences requiring intent or recklessness (DPP v Beard, Majewski, R v Heard)

• Key Case Law Explained – AG for Northern Ireland v Gallagher, R v Hatton, R v Grady

• Intoxication & Self-Defence – Why mistaken beliefs due to intoxication often fail as a defence

• Exceptions & Anomalies – Jaggard v Dickinson (Criminal Damage Act s5(2))

• Includes clear visual flow of actus reus, mens rea, and intoxication impact decision paths

✅ Perfect For:

• Law students studying criminal law (LLB, GDL, SQE, A-levels)

• Tutors & lecturers simplifying complex legal principles

• Legal professionals & paralegals needing quick-reference visuals

• Anyone revising UK criminal defences for problem questions