Actus Reus

Question 1

What is Actus Reus

Answer 1

The accused must have done something that is brought about the situation forbidden in the definition of a particular crime. the agent of the forbidden harm or conduct - criminal behaviour and cuasation. criminal behaviour must have been voluntary.

Question 2

If there is a legally imposed duty and someone does not act what is that known as?

Answer 2

Criminal omission - ie the failure to act is a breach of a legally imposed duty.

Question 3

Causation

Answer 3

Accused conduct must be porved to have caused the situation which comprises the crime in question.

Remember egg shell rule - take victim as you find him will mean that a contributory cause of vcitims personal condition is ignored. Also novus actus interveniens - can break the chain of causation but there will be supervening contributory causes which may not prevent the original conduct remaining the efffective cause of the harm.