Glossary
Actus reus
guilty act
common-law
The physical element of an offence: the prohibited conduct, circumstances or result.
In more detail
Liability normally requires the actus reus and mens rea to coincide. Omissions count only where a legal duty to act exists, which is why duty-creating relationships and statutory duties are central to omission liability.
Related terms
- mens-rea
See how this applies to you
Definitions are general. How a term operates depends on the jurisdiction you are in.