Strict Liability
Definition
Imposition of liability upon a defendant regardless of the defendant’s conduct or fault. Under strict liability in the tort context, an actor is liable regardless of whether the actor was negligent or otherwise culpable. Strict liability in the tort context is imposed only in limited circumstances; it may be applied in cases involving abnormally dangerous activities, injuries caused by animals, and products liability. In criminal law, strict liability imposes criminal liability with no proof of fault. Strict liability may extend to all elements of a crime or only to some elements. In many jurisdictions, strict liability is also known as absolute liability.