Which term describes crimes that do not require proof of intent?

The term that describes crimes which do not require proof of intent is indeed strict liability offenses. In these types of crimes, the prosecution does not need to establish that the defendant had any intention to commit the act. This is a key characteristic of strict liability, as the focus is on the act itself rather than the mental state of the individual committing the act.

Strict liability offenses are often applied in regulatory and public welfare contexts, where the law seeks to hold individuals accountable for violations regardless of intent. For instance, in cases related to health and safety regulations, a business may be held liable for selling contaminated food products even if it did not intend to cause harm.

Understanding this distinction is crucial in the study of criminal law, as it underscores situations where societal interests in health, safety, and order take precedence over the traditional focus on culpability and intent.