Mistake of Fact

A "mistake of fact" occurs when a person has a false belief about a factual situation, which impacts their understanding or decisions. For example, if someone takes another person's umbrella, believing it to be theirs, they are acting under a mistake of fact. In legal contexts, this misconception can sometimes be used as a defense, suggesting that the person did not have harmful intent because they genuinely believed their actions were justified based on incorrect information. This concept emphasizes the importance of accurate information in decision-making.