Actus Reus and Mens Rea

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What happened 7-8 March 2024?

  • Nature of Crime.
  • Offences.
  • Mens Rea and Actus Reus.
  • This was an in-person lesson only. There is no way to make it up outside of class before your project is due.  Please speak to a classmate to get the notes.  Reading Chapter 6 pp. 159-160, 162-164 will help, but will not be sufficient to make up the lesson.  This was not an ideal one to miss. =( However, speaking to a classmate (if they are comfortable sharing) should be enough to help keep you on track!

End of PowerPoint

At the end of the PowerPoint, there was some reading discussed to deepen your understanding of actus reus and mens rea.  Here is further info below.  You will have 15-20 minutes class time tomorrow to work on this, but can start early if you so choose.

  • Law in Action Chapter 6 pp. 164-169 (do not read cases in between).
  • You need a definition in your own words and an example for each of the following.
    • Actus Reus.
      • Act.
      • Omission to act.
    • Mens Rea.
      • Intent (General and Specific).
      • Knowledge.
      • Criminal Negligence.
      • Recklessness.
      • Wilful Blindness.

Involvement in a Crime

  • Law in Action Chapter 6 pp. 173-177.  As usual, do not read the cases in between, just the text on the white background.
  • Have a definition and example for the following:
    • Perpetrator.
    • Aiding.
    • Abetting.
    • Counselling.
    • Accessory After the Fact.
    • Party to a Common Intention.
  • Also have a definition and example for “incomplete crimes:”
    • Attempt.
    • Conspiracy.

Please submit separately to the respective assignments in Teams by the end of class.