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 conduct known as actus reus and the mental state known as mens rea. Actus reus refers to the offensive act itself. It consists of any deliberate movement or omission that violates a criminal law. Mens rea, on the other hand, is the intent behind the deed