[1] The guilt principle requires that in order to convict a person it is necessary to ascertain his voluntary or reckless behaviour, Strict Liability being prohibited.
[3]From a legal perspective, culpability describes the degree of one's blameworthiness in the commission of a crime or offense.
Except for strict liability crimes, the type and severity of punishment often follow the degree of culpability.
"Culpability means, first and foremost, direct involvement in the wrongdoing, such as through participation or instruction", as compared with responsibility merely arising from "failure to supervise or to maintain adequate controls or ethical culture".
[4] Modern criminal codes in the United States usually make distinct four degrees of culpability.