actus reus

/ ˈæktəs ˈreɪəs /

noun

1. law a criminal action regarded as a constituent element of a crime, as compared with the state of mind of the perpetrator Compare mens rea

Word History and Origins

Origin of actus reus¹

Latin, literally: guilty act

Example Sentences

Wrongdoing generally requires two elements: a guilty act, actus reus, and a guilty mind, mens rea.

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But Shivers' lawyers argued that it was legally impossible for him to be convicted of murder because there was no actus reus, or criminal act, prior to the murder.

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But Shivers' lawyers argued that it was legally impossible for him to he convicted of murder because there was no actus reus, or criminal act, prior to the murder.

Read more on BBC