R v Steane

Facts

Steane, a British actor living in Germany during the war, made broadcasts that assisted the enemy. He did so to save himself and his family from a concentration camp. He was charged with doing an act likely to assist the enemy, with intent to assist the enemy.

Issue

Does a person intend a consequence he foresees, when his purpose is to save his family?

Held

He was held not to have had the intent to assist the enemy.

Principle

Where a statute requires an intent to bring about a particular result, the purpose with which the act is done can determine that intent. Motive and intention are not the same word, but the purpose matters.

Why it matters

Ahlers is the companion case, the consul who intended to do his duty.

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