Difference Between Common Intention And Common Object
- IJLLR Journal
- Feb 4
- 1 min read
Vinayak Manglik & Kritarth Singh, B.B.A. LL.B. (H), UPES
1. Introduction
Criminal law often deals with cases where multiple individuals commit an offense together. However, determining individual responsibility in such cases is not always straightforward. To address this, legal doctrines like common object and common intention help establish the extent of each participant's liability. While they both deal with group crimes, they differ fundamentally in terms of the relationship between the participants and the nature of their collective actions.
The concept of common intention is based on shared mental states, where individuals consciously plan and agree to commit a crime together. In contrast, common object focuses on the collective behavior of a group, irrespective of whether there is prior agreement. This distinction is critical in criminal law, as it influences how courts interpret responsibility and impose penalties on those involved in group crimes.
The aim of this paper is to explore these two doctrines in depth, contrasting their legal definitions, their application in judicial precedents, and the psychological elements that influence group criminal behavior. By expanding on these aspects, we will gain a deeper understanding of how criminal law differentiates between group actions that stem from collective intention and those that arise from group dynamics.
