The Problem of Interpreting Mens Rea By Judges In Criminal Cases: Creating Legal Consistency and Certainty
Published:
2026-11-10Abstract
The interpretation of mens rea as an element of fault is a fundamental aspect of criminal liability. However, Indonesian criminal law does not yet have uniform interpretative parameters, so that proving the element of fault still depends on the construction of the judge's legal considerations and has the potential to cause disparities in decisions. This study aims to analyze the problems of interpreting mens rea by judges in criminal cases and reconstruct the interpretative parameters of mens rea that can be used to achieve consistency in decisions and legal certainty. The study uses a normative-empirical legal method with a statutory, conceptual, and case approach combined with semi-structured interviews with judges, prosecutors, police investigators, advocates, and criminal law academics. Data were analyzed qualitatively using descriptive-analytical and prescriptive techniques. The results of the study indicate that the interpretation of mens rea in judicial practice still varies, as seen in the decisions of Tom Lembong, Jessica Kumala Wongso, Ferdy Sambo, Putri Candrawathi, and Richard Eliezer, which used the approaches of knowledge theory, will theory, circumstantial evidence, and command relationship analysis according to the characteristics of each case. This variation indicates the absence of systematic interpretative parameters. As a scientific contribution, this study offers a Mens rea Interpretation Parameter Reconstruction Model consisting of eight stages, namely identification of the form of error, analysis of the inner relationship, analysis of will, analysis of knowledge, analysis of foreseeability, analysis of the relationship between mens rea and consequences, testing based on the principles of legality and the principle of error, and the preparation of the ratio decidendi. The model is expected to be a methodological guideline in proving the element of error so as to improve the consistency of decisions, the quality of judges' legal considerations, and legal certainty in the Indonesian criminal justice system.
Keywords:
mens rea judicial interpretation criminal liability legal certaintyReferences
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