Which statement is true about knowledge or belief within liability for handling if the goods are received?

Which statement is true about knowledge or belief within liability for handling if the goods are received?

• A. The goods being stolen is irrelevant to liability.
• B. Liability requires the offender to intend to steal the goods.
• C. Liability depends on whether the offender can prove the goods are not stolen.
• D. Liability requires knowledge or belief that the goods are stolen in the form of receiving.

Answer: (D)

The key idea is the mental element needed for liability when receiving or handling stolen goods: you must know or believe the goods are stolen. Receiving property under the belief or knowledge that it’s stolen makes you liable, even if you didn’t participate in the theft itself. This means you don’t have to intend to steal; you only need to be aware (or reasonably believe) that the goods are stolen. That’s why the correct statement fits best: liability arises from knowing or believing the goods are stolen when you receive them. If you don’t know and don’t believe they’re stolen, you typically wouldn’t be liable for handling. The other options don’t fit because they either ignore the knowledge requirement, require the intent to steal, or suggest a defense based on disproving the goods are stolen, which isn’t how the offense is structured.

The key idea is the mental element needed for liability when receiving or handling stolen goods: you must know or believe the goods are stolen. Receiving property under the belief or knowledge that it’s stolen makes you liable, even if you didn’t participate in the theft itself. This means you don’t have to intend to steal; you only need to be aware (or reasonably believe) that the goods are stolen.

That’s why the correct statement fits best: liability arises from knowing or believing the goods are stolen when you receive them. If you don’t know and don’t believe they’re stolen, you typically wouldn’t be liable for handling. The other options don’t fit because they either ignore the knowledge requirement, require the intent to steal, or suggest a defense based on disproving the goods are stolen, which isn’t how the offense is structured.