Lecture on Actus Reus in Criminal Law

Introduction

• Instructor: Lauren from Newcastle Sixth Form College.
• Topic: Key concepts in criminal law focusing on "actus reus".
• Key Elements of a Crime:
  • Actus Reus: Guilty act.
  • Mens Rea: Guilty mind.
  • Both elements must be proven by the prosecution for a conviction.

Illustrations of Actus Reus and Mens Rea

• Scenario 1: Intention to kill a student by driving into them.
  • Actus Reus: Driving the car into the student.
  • Mens Rea: Intent to kill.
• Scenario 2: Bob kills his wife Susan.
  • Actus Reus: Hitting her with a hammer.
  • Mens Rea: Intent to kill.
• These examples illustrate the marriage of actus reus and mens rea.

Types of Crimes and Actus Reus

• Definition: Actus reus is an act, omission, or state of affairs constituting the prohibited conduct.

State of Affairs Crime

• Example: A lady being an illegal immigrant — committing a crime by just being in the country illegally.
• No action needed beyond existing in a particular state or location.

Conduct Crimes

• Description: Offense is complete by doing the act, no further consequence required.
• Examples:
  • Speeding: Driving at 40 mph in a 30 mph zone.
  • Driving without Insurance: Guilty by the act alone, no need to cause an accident.

Consequence Crimes

• Description: Requires an act and a specific consequence.
• Non-Fatal Offenses: Assault, battery, actual bodily harm (ABH), grievous bodily harm (GBH).
• Example: Battery requires unlawful application of force.
• Scenario Example:
  • Scenario A: Punch leading to a bruise — battery (minor offense).
  • Scenario B: Punch causing death — involuntary manslaughter (serious offense).

Causation in Actus Reus

• Importance: The act must cause the outcome (death or injury).
• Causation: A complex area covered in both criminal and civil law.
  • If causation cannot be established, the defendant is not guilty.

Conclusion

• Understanding of actus reus and its role in criminal responsibility.
• Follow-up videos will cover omissions and complexities like causation.

• Next Steps: Look out for follow-up content on mens rea and causation.
• Additional Resource: Handout on larceny case example.