Actus reus refers to which aspect of a crime?

• A. Mental state
• B. The result of the crime
• C. The motive
• D. The physical act or omission

Answer: (D)

Actus reus is the physical act or omission that makes up a crime. It covers what a person does—such as striking someone, taking property, or driving a car in a dangerous way—or what a person fails to do when there is a legal duty to act. This is the observable conduct the law punishes, not the person’s thoughts or motives. The mental state behind the act is called mens rea, which refers to intent, knowledge, recklessness, or negligence. In most crimes, both actus reus and mens rea must be present, though some offenses are strict liability and only require the act or omission. The other options describe the mental state, the outcome of the crime, or motive, which are not the act itself.