Actus Reus

Question 1

Actus rues

Answer 1

Actus rues is guilty act in Latin . It is the behavioural element of an offence, when proving the actus rues you must show the defendants conduct was voluntary and that it occurred while the defendant still had the requisite men’s Rea.

Question 2

Voluntary act

Answer 2

This is something done by the defendant and by free will

Question 3

Involuntary act

Answer 3

This is something that happened to a defendant

Question 4

Automatism

Answer 4

This refers to the performance of actions without conscious thought or intention. It is not a defence however it follows that if defendants have total loss of control over their actions they cannot be held liable for those actions and may be grounds to claim a defence of automatism

Question 5

Causation

Answer 5

This means the action of something. Drug dealers will not be the cause of death if someone has a overdose unless they inject the drugs and the same for medical treatment unless in exceptional circumstances

Question 6

Omissions - duty to act

Answer 6

D dangerous situation is created by the defendant
U under statute, contract or public office
T taken it upon themselves to carry out a duty but than fails to do so
Y young person/ child there is an obligation for that parent to care for the child - not a unconnected child

Question 7

Parasitic accessory liability

Answer 7

Parasitic accessory liability, also known as joint enterprise liability, is a legal doctrine that allows individuals who are involved in a criminal venture to be held criminally liable for the actions of their co-conspirators or associates, even if they did not personally carry out the criminal act.