A Level Law Practice Exam

In which case was it determined that a defendant could be guilty for exposing unsound meat for sale despite their lack of fault?

1. Pembliton

2. Callow v Tillstone

3. Latimer

4. Harrow LBC v Shah

The correct answer is: Callow v Tillstone

The case that established a defendant could be found guilty for exposing unsound meat for sale, regardless of any fault on their part, is Callow v Tillstone. In this case, the defendant, a butcher, had taken reasonable steps to ensure that the meat he was selling was sound and fit for consumption. However, he ultimately sold meat that was unsound, leading to his prosecution. This case is significant because it highlights the principle of strict liability in certain regulatory offenses, where the mere act of committing the offense is sufficient for liability, regardless of the intent or reasonable care taken by the defendant. This principle is often applied in situations involving public health and safety to ensure that standards are maintained and consumer protection is prioritized. The ruling in Callow v Tillstone underscores the legal concept that in some offenses, particularly those related to health and safety, defendants can be found guilty even if they did not act with negligence or intent to cause harm, emphasizing the responsibility of individuals to ensure compliance with laws designed to protect the public.