Lecture 2: actus reus
The elements of a crime
■ What are they and how do we use them?
■ Definition of a crime => the ‘grammar’ of criminal law
■ Why? In order to allow a precise analysis of law & fact
■ Actus reus = guilty act or ‘external element’
■ Conduct or omission
■ Circumstance
■ Result
■ [Causation]
■ Mens rea = guilty mind or ‘internal element’
■ Mental element (e.g. intent, recklessness, negligence)
■ Elements of a criminal conviction
■ What has to be proven, beyond reasonable doubt, in court, for a successful
conviction?
Actus Mens
Defence Liability
reus rea
■ Conduct or omission
The elements of a crime
■ What are they and how do we use them?
■ Definition of a crime => the ‘grammar’ of criminal law
■ Why? In order to allow a precise analysis of law & fact
■ Actus reus = guilty act or ‘external element’
■ Conduct or omission
■ Circumstance
■ Result
■ [Causation]
■ Mens rea = guilty mind or ‘internal element’
■ Mental element (e.g. intent, recklessness, negligence)
■ Elements of a criminal conviction
■ What has to be proven, beyond reasonable doubt, in court, for a successful
conviction?
Actus Mens
Defence Liability
reus rea
■ Conduct or omission
