RRLLB81 Assignment 3 PORTFOLIO (QUALITY ANSWERS) Semester 1 2026 - The doctrine of common purpose and sexual assault

This document provides detailed workings, clear explanations, and well-structured solutions for the RRLLB81 Assignment 3 PORTFOLIO (QUALITY ANSWERS) Semester 1 2026 The doctrine of common purpose and sexual assault Background A criminal act of one person within a group can be imputed to others if there was a common purpose within the group to commit a crime. The doctrine of common purpose is largely applied to the crime of murder where a group may have intended to kill someone, and it becomes difficult to determine who amongst the group has fired the fatal shot. In this regard, all the perpetrators are charged with the crime of murder. It matters not whether a perpetrator has discharged his firearm, the mere fact that the perpetrator had the intention to kill should suffice. This doctrine has been extended to the crime of rape. For instance, where a group intends to commit a robbery and one amongst them decides to commit rape, all members of the group could be charged with the crime of rape. Even where the crime of rape may have been an incidental occurrence, and not initially planned by the whole group. One could argue that intent is an essential element of the crime of rape. Conduct research and provide your opinion and understanding whether extending the doctrine of common purpose to cases of rape enhances the law.