FACTORS OF A CRIME: MENS REA AND ACTUS REUS

A crime is not merely an act. To be deemed criminal, it must encompass both the physical movement known as actus reus and the mental state called mens rea. Actus reus refers to the criminal deed itself. It includes any intentional movement or omission that violates a criminal law. Mens rea, on the other hand, is the mental state behind the action.