What is the meaning of actus reus and mens rea?

Actus reus and mens rea are latin terms used in Criminal Law in England and Wales. Actus reus refers to the, "guilty act" of a crime, and mens rea refers to the, "guilty mind" of a crime. For example, if the crime is rape, the actus reus is the insertion of a human penis into a human orifice, and the mens rea is the intention to do so or lack of reasonable belief that the victim was consenting to the penetration.

Answered by Erika G. Law tutor

7197 Views

See similar Law A Level tutors

Related Law A Level answers

All answers ▸

What are some good ways to learn the law for AS and A2?


Explain two elements that may be considered to be aspects of ‘the rule of law’. Briefly explain why the independence of the judiciary is important in relation to the rule of law. [5]


What are Actus Reus and Mens Rea?


How would you apply the law of theft to a scenario?


We're here to help

contact us iconContact usWhatsapp logoMessage us on Whatsapptelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

© MyTutorWeb Ltd 2013–2024

Terms & Conditions|Privacy Policy
Cookie Preferences