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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
“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012


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Word History and Origins

Origin of actus reus1

Latin, literally: guilty act
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Example Sentences

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

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.

From BBC

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.

From BBC

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