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Actus Reus

AK-tus RAY-uh

Categories: Criminal Law, Latin Maxims

Definition (1910 Edition)

Origin: Latin

The guilty act; the physical component of a crime. The external manifestation of the criminal intent, as distinguished from the mental element (mens rea).

Authorities Cited

3 Steph. Comm. 27; 1 Russ. Crimes, 17.

UK Law Commentary

Status: ✅ Still applies. The physical element of a crime — the guilty act. Includes omissions where there is a duty to act. Key Case: R v Miller [1983] 2 AC 161 — defendant started fire accidentally, duty arose to extinguish it.

Modern Application

📜 Criminal Law Act 1967 • Offences Against the Person Act 1861 • legislation.gov.uk

Cross References

Mens Rea Omission Conduct

Source: Black's Law Dictionary, 2nd Edition (1910) — Public Domain. UK commentary and modern updates are original additions. This entry is for educational reference only and does not constitute legal advice.