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.

EG
Answered by Erika G. Law tutor

7973 Views

See similar Law A Level tutors

Related Law A Level answers

All answers ▸

"Discuss the disadvantages of judicial precedent." AQA A Level Law, 2017.


What is the difference between the defences of insanity and automatism


What is meant by mens rea and actus reus in criminal law?


Explain the different types of judicial precedent.


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 2013–2025

Terms & Conditions|Privacy Policy
Cookie Preferences