People v. Navarro P 59 CAL 1979 Facts: Navarro carried off 4 wooden beams from a construction site. He wanted to instruct the jury that if he did not have the intent to steal then he is not guilty, even if his intent is unreasonable. The judge did not instruct the jury in such a manner and instead told the jury that if his mistake in determining the objects were abandoned were unreasonable then he is guilty. Does a mistake have to be reasonable in order to negate the mental state required by a specific intent crime? No, the mistake may be unreasonable, as long as the person did not have the intent then he is not guilty. Judgment reversed. an honest mistake of fact or law is a defense when it negates a required mental element of the crime.
Issue:
Holding:
Rule: