Explain the differences between mens rea and actus reus
What will be an ideal response?
Answer: Actus reus (actual act) refers to the actual criminal act of which the defendant is accused. For a defendant to be found guilty, the evidence must indicate beyond a reasonable doubt that he or she committed a criminal act. Mens rea (guilty mind) refers to criminal intent.
This means that the state must show that the defendant intended to commit the act. Although the concept of criminal intent is complex, it generally means that the defendant committed a criminal act knowingly.
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