actus reus

USAGE SUMMARY

"actus reus" is correct and usable in written English.
It is a term in jurisprudence which means "the guilty act" in criminal law. For example, "The actus reus for the crime of assault is the intentional infliction of an unlawful physical force on the person of another."

✓ Grammatically correct

Encyclopedias

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

21 human-written examples

No other punishment philosophy gives so much importance to actus reus (a guilty act) and mens rea (a guilty state of mind).

Encyclopedia Britannica

It is generally agreed that the essential ingredients of any crime are (1) a voluntary act or omission (actus reus), accompanied by (2) a certain state of mind (mens rea).

Encyclopedia Britannica

A judge disagreed, finding him guilty.Under the common-law system that America inherited from England, a person performing a prohibited act (actus reus) must also possess a guilty mind (mens rea) in order to be convicted of a crime.

The Economist

Section 1(1) also provides that the actus reus must be "more than merely preparatory".

Wikipedia

This is not easily called an actus reus nor mens rea requirement.

Wikipedia

The actus reus is the wound or infliction of grievous bodily harm (GBH).

Wikipedia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

39 human-written examples

Sudden world shortages of "Actus Tragicus"?

The New York Times - Arts

Reus is Dortmund's great creative outlet.

The New York Times

Schieber replaces Reus for the German club.

The New York Times

Marco Reus did not allow that indulgence.

The New York Times - Sports

Reus delivers but Dante nuts clear.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing criminal law, ensure you use "actus reus" in conjunction with its counterpart, "mens rea", to fully explain the elements of a crime.

Common error

Avoid equating "actus reus" with the defendant's motive. "Actus reus" refers to the prohibited act itself, while motive explains why the defendant committed the act, which are separate legal considerations.

Linguistic Context

The term "actus reus" functions as a noun, specifically a legal term of art. It identifies the physical element of a crime, the act or omission that the law prohibits. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Wiki

32%

News & Media

27%

Encyclopedias

14%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "actus reus" refers to the physical element of a crime, distinct from the mental state or "mens rea". It's a legal term, primarily used in formal and scientific contexts like law and academia. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is correct and usable in written English. Key related terms include "guilty act", "criminal act", and "prohibited act". When writing about criminal law, remember to distinguish "actus reus" from motive, and ensure to use it in conjunction with "mens rea" for a complete analysis. The term is frequently found in encyclopedias, news media and wikis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

guilty act

Direct translation of "actus reus", simpler and less formal.

criminal act

Focuses on the criminal nature of the action.

prohibited act

Emphasizes the action being forbidden by law.

wrongful conduct

Highlights the wrongfulness or impropriety of the action.

illegal action

General term for an action that is against the law.

physical element of a crime

More descriptive, specifying the physical component of the offense.

external element of a crime

Focuses on the outward manifestation of the crime, separate from intent.

objective element of a crime

Emphasizes the provable, factual aspect of the crime.

conduct element of a crime

Highlights that specific actions must meet the definition of a crime

the deed itself

Emphasizes the action being at the core of committing the crime

FAQs

How does "actus reus" relate to "mens rea"?

"Actus reus" (the guilty act) and "mens rea" (the guilty mind) are the two essential elements the prosecution must prove beyond a reasonable doubt to secure a conviction in most criminal cases. Both elements must be present.

What are some examples of "actus reus"?

Examples of "actus reus" include physically assaulting someone, stealing property, or driving under the influence. The specific act will vary depending on the crime in question.

What happens if there's no "actus reus"?

If there's no "actus reus", there is no crime. Even if someone has a guilty mind ("mens rea"), they cannot be convicted of a crime unless they commit a prohibited act.

Is it possible to have "actus reus" without "mens rea"?

Yes, it's possible, but it doesn't always lead to criminal liability. Strict liability offenses exist where the prosecution doesn't need to prove "mens rea", but these are typically for minor offenses. In most serious crimes, both "actus reus" and "mens rea" must be proven.