FACTORS OF A CRIME: MENS REA AND ACTUS REUS

A crime is not merely an act. To be deemed criminal, it must encompass both the physical action known as actus reus and the mental state called mens rea. Actus reus refers to the offensive performance itself. It consists of any deliberate movement or omission that violates a criminal law. Mens rea, on the other hand, is the motive behind the deed.