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Criminologists No Comments: Justifying Circumstances
Criminologists No Comments: Justifying Circumstances
Stand ground when in the right - the law does not require a
By criminologists - Sunday, June 1, 2014 - No Comments
person to retreat when his assailant is rapidly advancing upon
him with a deadly weapon.
Justifying Circumstances
NOTE: Under Republic Act 9262 (Anti-Violence Against
Women and Their Children Act of 2004), victim-survivors who
Justifying Circumstances where the act of a person is in
are found by the Courts to be suffering from Battered Woman
accordance with law such that said person is deemed not to
Syndrome (BWS) do not incur any criminal or civil liability
have
despite absence of the necessary elements for the justifying
violated the law.
circumstance of self-defense in the RPC. BWS is a
scientifically defined pattern of psychological and behavioral
General Rule: No criminal and civil liability incurred.
symptoms found in women living in battering relationships as
a result of cumulative abuse.
Exception: There is civil liability with respect to par. 4 where
the liability is borne by persons benefited by the act.
Par. 2 Defense of Relative
Elements:
Par. 1 Self-defense
1. Unlawful Aggression (indispensable requirement)
Elements:
2. reasonable necessity of the means employed to prevent or
1. Unlawful Aggression
repel it
- indispensable requirement
3. In case the provocation was given by the person attacked,
- There must be actual physical assault or aggression or an
the one making the defense had no part in such provocation.
immediate and imminent threat, which must be offensive and
positively strong.
Relative entitled to the defense:
- The defense must have been made during the existence of
1. spouse
aggression, otherwise, it is no longer justifying.
2. ascendants
- While generally an agreement to fight does not constitute
3. descendants
unlawful aggression, violation of the terms of the agreement
4. legitimate, natural or adopted brothers and sisters, or
to fight is considered an exception.
relatives by affinity in the same degrees
5. relatives by consanguinity within the 4th civil degree
2. Reasonable necessity of the means employed to prevent or
repel it
NOTE: The relative defended may be the original aggressor.
All that is required to justify the act of the relative defending
Test of reasonableness depends on:
is that he takes no part in such provocation.
(1) weapon used by aggressor
(2) physical condition, character, size and other
Par. 3 Defense of Stranger
circumstances of aggressor
Elements:
(3) physical condition, character, size and circumstances
1. unlawful aggression (indispensable requirement)
of person defending himself
2. reasonable necessity of the means employed to prevent or
(4) place and occasion of assault
repel it
3. person defending be not induced by revenge, resentment
3. Lack of sufficient provocation on the part of the person
or other evil motive
defending himself
Par. 4 State of Necessity (Avoidance of Greater Evil or
NOTE: Perfect equality between the weapons used, nor
Injury)
material commensurability between the means of attack and
Elements:
defense by the one defending himself and that of the
1. evil sought to be avoided actually exists
aggressor is not required
2. injury feared be greater than that done to avoid it
3. no other practical and less harmful means of preventing it
REASON: the person assaulted does not have sufficient
opportunity or time to think and calculate.
NOTE: The necessity must not be due to the negligence or
violation of any law by the actor.
Rights included in self-defense:
1. defense of person
Par. 5 Fulfillment of Duty or Lawful Exercise of a Right
2. defense of rights protected by law
or Office
3. defense of property (only if there is also an actual and
Elements:
imminent danger on the person of the one defending)
1. accused acted in the performance of duty or in the lawful
4. defense of chastity
exercise of a right or office
2. the injury caused or offense committed be the necessary
Kinds of Self-Defense:
consequence of the due performance of the duty, or the lawful
1. self-defense of chastity there must be an attempt to
exercise of such right or office.
rape the victim
2. defense of property must be coupled with an attack on
NOTE: The accused must prove that he was duly appointed to
the person of the owner, or on one entrusted with the care of
the position claimed he was discharging at the time of the
such property.
commission of the offense. It must also be shown that the
offense committed was the necessary consequence of such
People v. Narvaez, (GR No. L-33466-67, April 20, 1983)
fulfillment of duty, or lawful exercise of a right or office.
Attack on property alone was deemed sufficient to comply
with element of unlawful aggression.
Par. 6 Obedience to a Superior Order
Elements:
3. self-defense in libel justified when the libel is aimed at
1. an order has been issued
2. order has a lawful purpose (not patently illegal) consequences of the unlawful act, which is shown by the:
3. means used by subordinate to carry out said order is lawful 1. manner the crime was committed
2. conduct of the offender after its commission
NOTE: The superior officer giving the order cannot invoke this
justifying circumstance. Good faith is material, as the NOTE: Under R.A. 9344 a minor over 15 but below 18 who
subordinate is not liable for carrying out an illegal order if he acted without discernment is exempt from criminal liability
is not aware of its illegality and he is not negligent.
Par. 4 Accident without fault or intention of causing it
General Rule: Subordinate cannot invoke this circumstance Elements:
when order is patently illegal. 1. A person is performing a lawful act
2. with due care
Exception: When there is compulsion of an irresistible force, 3. He causes injury to another by mere accident
or under impulse of uncontrollable fear. 4. Without fault or intention of causing it.
INSANE one who acts with complete deprivation of NOTE: Duress to be a valid defense should be based on real,
intelligence/reason or without the least discernment or with imminent or reasonable fear for ones life or limb. It should
total deprivation of freedom of will. Mere abnormality of the not be inspired by speculative, fanciful or remote fear. A
mental faculties will not exclude imputability. threat of future injury is not enough.
General Rule: Exempt from criminal liability ACTUS ME INVITO FACTUS NON EST MEUS ACTUS Any act
done by me against my will is not my act.
Exception: The act was done during a lucid interval.
PAR 7. Insuperable Cause
NOTE: Defense must prove that the accused was insane at
the time of the commission of the crime because the INSUPERABLE CAUSE some motive, which has lawfully,
presumption is always in favor of sanity. morally or physically prevented a person to do what the law
commands
Par. 2 Under Nine Years of Age
Elements:
Requisite: Offender is under 9 years of age at the time of the 1. An act is required by law to be done.
commission of the crime. There is absolute criminal 2. A person fails to perform such act.
irresponsibility in the case of a minor under 9 years of age. 3. His failure to perform such act was due to some lawful or
insuperable cause.
NOTE: Under R.A. 9344 or the Juvenile Justice and Welfare
Act a minor 15 years and below is exempt from criminal Ex:
liability 1. A priest cant be compelled to reveal what was confessed
to him.
Par. 3 Person Over 9 and Under 15 Acting Without 2. No available transportation officer not liable for
Discernment arbitrary detention
3. Mother who was overcome by severe dizziness and
NOTE: Such minor must have acted without discernment to extreme debility, leaving child to die not liable for infanticide
be exempt. If with discernment, he is criminally liable. (People v. Bandian, 63 Phil 530)
Presumption: The minor committed the crime without ABSOLUTORY CAUSES where the act committed is a crime
discernment. but for some reason of public policy and sentiment, there is
no penalty imposed. Exempting and justifying circumstances
DISCERNMENT mental capacity to fully appreciate the are absolutory causes.
directly vested with jurisdiction and has the power to govern
Examples of such other circumstances are: and execute the laws
1. spontaneous desistance (Art. 6) Ex:
2. accessories exempt from criminal liability (Art. 20) 1. Governor
3. Death or physical injuries inflicted under exceptional 2. Mayor
circumstances (Art. 247) 3. Barangay captain/ chairman
4. persons exempt from criminal liability from theft, 4. Councilors
swindling, malicious mischief (Art 332) 5. Government agents
5. instigation 6. Chief of Police
NOTE: Entrapment is NOT an absolutory cause. A buy-bust NOTE: A teacher or professor of a public or recognized private
operation conducted in connection with illegal drug-related school is not a public authority within the contemplation of
offenses is a form of entrapment. this paragraph. While he is a person in authority under Art.
152, that status is only for purposes of Art. 148 (direct
Entrapment from Instigation assault) and Art. 152 (resistance and disobedience)
1. The ways and means are resorted to for the purpose of
trapping and capturing the lawbreaker in the execution of his The crime should not be committed against the public
criminal plan. while The Instigator practically induces the authority (otherwise it will constitute direct assault under
would-be accused into the commission of the offense and Art.148) This is NOT applicable when committed in the
himself becomes a co-principal presence of a mere agent.
2. In Entrapment, not a bar to accused prosecution and
conviction while in Instigation, Accused will be acquitted. AGENT subordinate public officer charged w/ the
3. Entrapment is not an absolutory cause while Instigation is maintenance of public order and protection and security of life
an absolutory cause. and property Ex: barrio vice lieutenant, barrio councilman
When the public officer did not take advantage of the AGE may refer to old age or the tender age of the victim.
influence of his position, this aggravating circumstance is not
present SEX refers to the female sex, not to the male sex.
NOTE : Taking advantage of a public position is also inherent The AC of disregard of rank, age, or sex is not applicable in
in the case of accessories under Art. 19, par. 3 (harboring, the following cases:
concealing, or assisting in the escape of the principal of the 1. When the offender acted with passion and obfuscation.
crime), and in crimes committed by public officers (Arts. 204- 2. When there exists a relationship between the offended
245). party and the offender.
3. When the condition of being a woman is indispensable in
Par. 2. That the crime be committed in contempt of or the commission of the crime. (Ex: in parricide, abduction,
with insult to public authorities seduction and rape)
Dwelling is not aggravating in the following cases: Actual performance of duties is not necessary when
1. When both the offender and the offended party are crime is committed in the palace or in the presence of the
occupants of the same house, and this is true even if offender Chief Executive
is a servant in the house.
exception: In case of adultery in the conjugal dwelling, the Requisites Regarding Public Authorities:
same is aggravating. However, if the paramour also dwells in 1. crime occurred in the public office
the conjugal dwelling, the applicable aggravating 2. public authorities are actually performing their public
circumstance is abuse of confidence. duties
2. When robbery is committed by the use of force upon Requisites (Place Dedicated to Religious Worship):
things, dwelling is not aggravating because it is inherent. 1. The crime occurred in a place dedicated to the
worship of God regardless of religion
However, dwelling is aggravating in robbery with violence 2. The offender must have decided to commit the crime
against or intimidation of persons because this class of when he entered the place of worship
robbery can be committed without the necessity of
trespassing the sanctity of the offended partys house. Except for the third which requires that official functions
are being performed at the time of the commission of the
3. In the crime needed to see this picture. dwelling, it is crime, the other places mentioned are aggravating per se
inherent or included by law in defining the crime. even if no official duties or acts of religious worship are being
conducted there.
4. When the owner of the dwelling gave sufficient and
immediate provocation. Cemeteries, however respectable they may be, are not
considered as place dedicated to the worship of God.
There must exist a close relation between the provocation
made by the victim and the commission of the crime by the Par. 6. That the crime be committed
accused. (1) in the nighttime, or
(2) in an uninhabited place, or
5. The victim is not a dweller of the house. (3) by a band,
whenever such circumstance may facilitate
Par. 4. That the act be committed with: the commission of the offense
(1) abuse of confidence or
(2) obvious ungratefulness NOTE: When present in the same case and their
element are distinctly palpable and can subsist independently,
There are two aggravating circumstances present under par.4 they shall be considered separately.
inducement, they do not form a band because it is
When nighttime, uninhabited place or band aggravating: undoubtedly connoted that he had no direct participation.
1. When it facilitated the commission of the crime; or
2. When especially sought for by the offender to insure By a band is aggravating in crimes against property
the commission of the crime or for the purpose of impunity; or against persons or in the crime of illegal detention or
or treason but does not apply to crimes against chastity
3. When the offender took advantage thereof for the
purpose of impunity
By a band is inherent in brigandage
NIGHTTIME (obscuridad) that period of darkness
beginning at the end of dusk and ending at dawn. This aggravating circumstance is absorbed in the
circumstance of abuse of superior strength
Commission of the crime must begin and be
accomplished in the nighttime. When the place of the crime is Par. 7. That the crime be committed on the occasion of
illuminated by light, nighttime is not aggravating. It is not a
considered aggravating when the crime began at daytime. conflagration, shipwreck, earthquake, epidemic
or other
Nighttime is not especially sought for when the notion to calamity or misfortune.
commit the crime was conceived of shortly before commission
or when crime was committed at night upon a casual Requisites:
encounter 1. The crime was committed when there was a calamity
or misfortune
However, nighttime need not be specifically sought for 2. The offender took advantage of the state of confusion
when
or chaotic condition from such misfortune
(1) it facilitated the commission of the offense, or
(2) the offender took advantage of the same to
commit the crime If the offended was PROVOKED by the offended party
during the calamity/misfortune, this aggravating circumstance
A bare statement that crime was committed at night is may not be taken into consideration.
insufficient. The information must allege that nighttime was
sought for or taken advantage of, or that it facilitated the Par. 8. That the crime be committed with the aid of
crime (1) armed men or
(2) persons who insure or afford impunity
GENERAL RULE: Nighttime is absorbed in treachery.
Requisites:
EXCEPTION: Where both the treacherous mode of attack 1. That armed men or persons took part in the
and nocturnity were deliberately decided upon in the same commission of the crime, directly or indirectly.
case, they can be considered separately if such circumstances 2. That the accused availed himself of their aid or relied
have different factual bases. Thus: upon them when the crime was committed
In People vs. Berdida, et. al. (June 30, 1966), NOTE: This aggravating circumstance requires that the
nighttime was considered since it was purposely sought, and armed men are accomplices who take part in a minor capacity
treachery was further appreciated because the victims hands directly or indirectly, and not when they were merely present
and arms were tied together before he was beaten up by the at the crime scene. Neither should they constitute a band, for
accused. then the proper aggravating circumstance would be cuadrilla.
In People vs. Ong, et. al. (Jan. 30, 1975), there was When This Aggravating Circumstance Shall Not Be
treachery as the victim was stabbed while lying face up and Considered:
defenseless, and nighttime was considered upon proof that it 1. When both the attacking party and the party attacked were
facilitated the commission of the offense and was taken equally armed.
advantage of by the accused. 2. When the accused as well as those who cooperated with
him in the commission of the crime acted under the same
UNINHABITED PLACE (despoblado) one where there plan and for the same purpose.
are no houses at all, a place at a considerable distance from 3. When the others were only casually present and the
town, where the houses are scattered at a great distance offender did not avail himself of any of their aid or when he
from each other did not knowingly count upon their assistance in the
commission of the crime
Solitude must be sought to better attain the criminal
purpose If there are four armed men, aid of armed men is
absorbed in employment of a band. If there are three armed
What should be considered here is whether in the men or less, aid of armed men may be the aggravating
place of the commission of the offense, there was a circumstance.
reasonable possibility of the victim receiving some help.
Aid of armed men includes armed women.
BAND (en cuadrilla) whenever there are more than 3
armed malefactors that shall have acted together in the Par. 9. That the accused is a recidivist
commission of an offense RECIDIVIST one who at the time of his trial for one
crime, shall have been previously convicted by final judgment
NOTE: There must be four or more armed men of another crime embraced in the same title of the RPC.
Abuse of superior strength is also present when the offender WHEN MUST TREACHERY BE PRESENT:
uses a weapon which is out of proportion to the defense 1. When the aggression is continuous, treachery must be
available to the offended party. present in the beginning of the assault. (PEOPLE vs.
MANALAD, GR No. 128593, August 14, 2002)
NOTE: Abuse of superior strength absorbs cuadrilla (band).
Thus, even if the deceased was shot while he was lying
MEANING OF Means employed to weaken defense - the wounded on the ground, it appearing that the firing of the
offender employs means that materially weaken the resisting shot was a mere continuation of the assault in which the
power of the offended party. deceased was wounded, with no appreciable time intervening
between the delivery of the blows and the firing of the shot, it
Ex: cannot be said that the crime was attended by treachery.
1. Where one, struggling with another, suddenly throws a
cloak over the head of his opponent and while in this situation 2. When the assault was not continuous, in that there was
he wounds or kills him. interruption, it is sufficient that treachery was present at the
2. One who, while fighting with another, suddenly casts sand moment the fatal blow was given.
or dirt upon the latter eyes and then wounds or kills him.
3. When the offender, who had the intention to kill the victim, Hence, even though in the inception of the aggression
made the deceased intoxicated, thereby materially weakening which ended in the death of the deceased, treachery was not
the latters resisting power. present, if there was a break in the continuity of the
aggression and at the time of the fatal wound was inflicted on
NOTE: This circumstance is applicable only to crimes against the deceased he was defenseless, the circumstance of
persons, and sometimes against person and property, such as treachery must be taken into account.
robbery with physical injuries or homicide.
Treachery Should Be Considered Even If:
Par. 16. That the act be committed with treachery 1. The victim was not predetermined but there was a
(alevosia) generic intent to treacherously kill any first two persons
belonging to a class. (The same rule obtains for evident
TREACHERY when the offender commits any of the crimes premeditation).
against the person, employing means, methods or forms in 2. There was aberratio ictus and the bullet hit a person
the execution thereof which tend directly and specially to different from that intended. (The rule is different in evident
insure its execution without risk to himself arising from the premeditation).
defense which the offended party might make. 3. There was error in personae, hence the victim was not
the one intended by the accused. (A different rule is applied
Requisites: in evident premeditation).
1. That at the time of the attack, the victim was not in a
position to defend himself; and REASON FOR THE RULE: When there is treachery, it is
2. That the offender consciously adopted the particular impossible for either the intended victim or the actual victim
means, method or form of attack employed by him. to defend himself against the aggression.
TEST: It is not only the relative position of the parties but, TREACHERY ABSORBS:
more specifically, whether or not the victim was forewarned 1. Craft
or afforded the opportunity to make a defense or to ward off 2. Abuse of superior strength
the attack. 3. Employing means to weaken the defense
4. Cuadrilla (band)
Rules Regarding Treachery: 5. Aid of armed men
1. Applicable only to crimes against persons. 6. Nighttime
2. Means, methods or forms need not insure
accomplishment of crime. Par. 17. That means be employed or circumstances
3. The mode of attack must be consciously adopted. brought about
which add ignominy to the natural effects of
Treachery is taken into account even if the crime against the act
the person is complexed with another felony involving a
different classification in the Code. Accordingly, in the special IGNOMINY is a circumstance pertaining to the moral order,
complex crime of robbery with homicide, treachery but can be which adds disgrace and obloquy to the material injury
appreciated insofar as the killing is concerned. caused by the crime.
The suddenness of attack in itself does not constitute MEANING OF which add ignominy to the natural effects
treachery, even if the purpose was to kill, so long as the thereof The means employed or the circumstances brought
decision was made all of a sudden and the victims helpless about must tend to make the effects of the crime more
position was accidental. humiliating to victim or to put the offended party to shame,
or add to his moral suffering. Thus, it is incorrect to
appreciate ignominy where the victim was already dead when purposely and deliberately used the motor vehicle in going to
his body was dismembered, for such act may not be the place of the crime, in carrying away the effects thereof,
considered to have added to the victims moral suffering or and in facilitating their escape.
humiliation. (People vs. Carmina, G.R. No. 81404, January
28, 1991) MEANING OF or other similar means Should be
understood as referring to motorized vehicles or other
Applicable to crimes against chastity, less serious physical efficient means of transportation similar to automobile or
injuries, light or grave coercion, and murder. airplane.
Par. 18. That the crime be committed after an unlawful Par. 21. That the wrong done in the commission of the
entry. crime be
deliberately augmented by causing other wrong
UNLAWFUL ENTRY - when an entrance is effected by a way not
not intended for the purpose. necessary for its commission
NOTE: Unlawful entry must be a means to effect entrance CRUELTY there is cruelty when the culprit enjoys and
and not for escape. delights in making his victim suffer slowly and gradually,
causing unnecessary physical pain in the consummation of
REASON FOR AGGRAVATION: One who acts, not respecting the criminal act.
the walls erected by men to guard their property and provide
for their personal safety, shows a greater perversity, a greater Requisites:
audacity; hence, the law punishes him with more severity. 1. That the injury caused be deliberately increased by
causing other wrong;
Par. 19. That as a means to the commission of a crime, 2. That the other wrong be unnecessary for the execution
a wall, of the purpose of the offender.
roof, floor, door, or window be broken.
Cruelty is not inherent in crimes against persons.
Applicable only if such acts were done by the offender to
effect ENTRANCE. If the wall, etc., is broken in order to get In order for it to be appreciated, there must be positive
out of the place, it is not an aggravating circumstance. proof that the wounds found on the body of the victim were
inflicted while he was still alive in order unnecessarily to
It is NOT necessary that the offender should have entered the prolong physical suffering.
building Therefore, If the offender broke a window to enable
himself to reach a purse with money on the table near that Cruelty cannot be presumed
window, which he took while his body was outside of the
building, the crime of theft was attended by this aggravating If the victim was already dead when the acts of mutilation
circumstance. were being performed, this would also qualify the killing to
murder due to outraging of his corpse.
NOTE: Breaking in is lawful in the following instances:
1. An officer, in order to make an arrest, may break open a Ignominy involves moral suffering. Cruelty refers to
door or window of any building in which the person to be physical suffering.
arrested is or is reasonably believed to be;
2. An officer, if refused admittance, may break open any door Unlike mitigating circumstances (par. 10, Art. 13), there is
or window to execute the search warrant or liberate himself, NO provision for aggravating circumstances of a similar or
3. Replevin, Section 4, Rule 60 of the Rules of Court analogous character.
When Relationship Mitigating And When Aggravating: To Be Entitled to The Mitigating Circumstance of
1. As a rule, relationship is mitigating in crimes against Intoxication,
property, by analogy to the provisions of Art. 332. It Must Be Shown:
1. That at the time of the commission of the criminal act, the
Thus, relationship is mitigating in the crimes of robbery accused has taken such quantity of alcoholic drinks as to blur
(Arts. 294-302), usurpation (Art. 312), fraudulent his reason and deprive him of a certain degree of control, and
insolvency 2. That such intoxication is not habitual, or subsequent to the
(Art. 314) and arson (Arts. 321-322, 325-326). plan to commit the felony.