Elements of a Crime: Actus Reus and Mens Rea

What this note covers

1. The Foundational Maxim and Why It Matters
2. Actus Reus: The Physical Element
3. Mens Rea: The Mental Element
4. The Concurrence (Coincidence) Principle
5. Strict Liability: Offences Without Mens Rea
6. Applying Both Elements: A Worked Murder Analysis
7. Relevance to the Effectiveness of the Criminal Justice System

7 sections · 14 key terms & formulas · 6 common mistakes