In criminal law, Actus Reus refers to which aspect of a crime?

• A. the act of a crime
• B. the mental state
• C. the result
• D. the motive

Answer: (A)

Actus Reus is the physical act or omission that constitutes a crime—the actual conduct that violates the law. That’s why the correct choice is the act of a crime. In most offenses, the prosecution must prove this conduct happened: the person performed the prohibited act or failed to act when there was a duty to act. It’s a separate element from Mens Rea, which is the mental state at the time—intent, knowledge, recklessness, or negligence. Motive isn’t typically required to convict. Some crimes labeled strict liability don’t require proof of a mental state, but they still hinge on the act itself. In short, Actus Reus is about what the person did (or failed to do).