2- Actus Reus

Question 1

What does Actus reus Mean?

Answer 1

All elements of the crime other than the state of mind of the Defendant. In particular it may consist of conduct, result, state of affairs or omissions

Question 2

What is conduct?

Answer 2

1. Perjury- lying under oath

2. Theft – the appropriation of property belonging to another

Question 3

What is result crimes?

Answer 3

Where the actions themselves are not criminal, but the result of the action may be eg:
Throwing a stone
Punching

Question 4

Examples of result crimes.

Answer 4

Assault, ABH, GBH, murder, criminal damage

Question 5

What is state of affairs?

Answer 5

‘Being’ rather than ‘doing’ crimes.

Question 6

Examples of state of crime.

Answer 6

Being drunk in charge of a vehicle – Duck v Peacock 1949

Being an illegal alien – R v Larsonneur 1933

Question 7

What is omissions?

Answer 7

The general rule is that there is no liability for a failure to act.
This rule is subject to exceptions.