mens rea

[ menz ree-uh ]

noun

, Law.

1. a criminal intent.

mens rea

/ ˈmɛnz ˈreɪə /

noun

1. law a criminal intention or knowledge that an act is wrong. It is assumed to be an ingredient of all criminal offences although some minor statutory offences are punishable irrespective of it Compare actus reus

Word History and Origins

Origin of mens rea¹

First recorded in 1860–65, mens rea is from New Latin mēns rea

Word History and Origins

Origin of mens rea¹

Latin, literally: guilty mind

Example Sentences

But there is a presumption which is not rebuttable with regard to the mens rea of the vessel.

From Project Gutenberg

Briefly, it may be said that in criminal law the constituent element of an offence is the mens rea or the guilty intent.

From Project Gutenberg

It is one of the earliest crimes in which the mens rea, or criminal intent, was taken special notice of.

From Project Gutenberg