What is the meaning of the Latin phrase Actus reus?

Answer by  WiseTeacher (258)

To be a crime, there must be both an external guilty act and a guilty mind. Actus reus is the Latin term for the objective 'guilty act'.

Answer by  GeorgeH (179)

"Actus reus" means "bad act" or "guilty act" and refers to the action that is itself considered to be a criminal offense. It is the objective event as compared to the suspect's subjective mentality (Mens rea).

Answer by  sususu (866)

Actus reus is Latin for "guilty act". It is used in law to mean the actual crime committed as opposed to the thought behind the crime.

Answer by  cubbykatz (293)

Actus reus is the latin term for "the guilty act" when proven beyond a reasonable doubt. This will generally produce criminal liability in several different countries.