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Mens Rea

menz RAY-uh

Categories: Criminal Law, Latin Maxims

Definition (1910 Edition)

Origin: Latin

A guilty mind; a guilty or wrongful purpose; a criminal intent. The physical act alone (actus reus) does not make a crime unless accompanied by a guilty mind.

Authorities Cited

4 Bl. Comm. 21; Foster, Crown Law, 255.

UK Law Commentary

Status: ✅ Still applies. A fundamental principle of criminal law. The mental element of a crime — the guilty mind. Key Case: R v Woolmington [1935] AC 462 — 'throughout the web of English criminal law one golden thread is always to be seen — that it is the duty of the prosecution to prove the prisoner's guilt.'

Modern Application

📜 Criminal Law Act 1967 • Terrorism Act 2000 • legislation.gov.uk

Cross References

Actus Reus Criminal Intent Felony

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.