Abstract:
Guilt is the central element of the subjective side of the crime, constituting an essential characteristic of any criminal act. It is based on the ability of a person to understand both the factual and social consequences of his actions, as well as their legal significance, to anticipate their immediate outcome and to be aware of their socially dangerous nature. To understand that the committed act is dangerous for society means to be aware of the concrete situations related to what is being violated and how the crime occurred, as well as their social significance. The person who committed the act realizes that by his actions he infringes on rights and interests protected by law — of other persons, organizations, society or the state. He is also aware of all other legally important circumstances in which the act was committed, such as the time, place, manner of action, environment, tools and means used.