ELEMENTS OF A CRIME: MENS REA AND ACTUS REUS

A crime is not merely an occurrence. To be deemed criminal, it must encompass both the physical movement known as actus reus and the mental state known as mens rea. Actus reus refers to the offensive performance itself. It includes any intentional movement or omission that violates a criminal law. Mens rea, on the other hand, is the intent behind t