The concept of Actus Reus is a fundamental principle in criminal law that refers to the physical act or conduct of a person that constitutes a crime. It is a Latin term that translates to “guilty act.” In order for someone to be held criminally liable for a particular offense, two elements must typically be established: the actus reus and the mens rea (mental state).
Actus reus focuses specifically on the external element of a crime, which involves the observable actions, omissions, or consequences that are prohibited by law. It is the voluntary, intentional, or negligent behavior that is deemed unlawful. In simpler terms, actus reus describes what a person did or failed to do that violated the law.
Actus Reus
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