Legal Dictionary
Actus Reus
Definition
The guilty act or wrongful deed that comprises the physical component of a crime.
Deep Dive
"Actus reus" is a Latin term meaning "guilty act" and refers to the physical element of a crime. It is the wrongful deed or omission that constitutes the tangible, observable component of a criminal offense, distinguishing a mere thought or intention from a punishable act. For a crime to be proven, prosecutors must establish both the *actus reus* (the act itself) and the *mens rea* (the guilty mind or intent).
Examples & Use Cases
- 1The *actus reus* of theft is the physical taking and carrying away of another person's property without consent
- 2For battery, the *actus reus* is the unlawful application of physical force to another person
- 3In a case of criminal negligence, the *actus reus* might be a driver's omission to brake, leading to an accident.
Related Terms
Mens ReaCriminal ActOmission