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

8924 Views

See similar Law A Level tutors

Related Law A Level answers

All answers ▸

How can you tell if an oral contract has been made?


Consider what criticism may be made of the non-fatal offences against the person.


What is the distinction between an offer and an invitation to treat?


Is the law on non-fatal offences in need or urgent reform?


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2026 by IXL Learning