Actus Reus
/ˈæktəs ˈriːəs/
Definitions
- (n.) The physical element or guilty act required to constitute a crime, as opposed to the mental element (mens rea).
The prosecution must prove the actus reus to establish criminal liability.
Related terms
Commentary
Actus reus refers strictly to the external conduct or unlawful omission causing harm; careful drafting distinguishes it from mens rea to clarify criminal elements.
This glossary is for general informational and educational purposes only. Definitions are jurisdiction-agnostic but reflect terminology and concepts primarily drawn from English and American legal traditions. Nothing herein constitutes legal advice or creates a lawyer-client relationship. Users should consult qualified counsel for advice on specific matters or jurisdictions.