Actus Reas/ Mens Rea Clip

Multiple Choice

What was Jennifer's actus reus (guilty act)?

• She yelled at Elsa on the phone

• She skipped class to follow Elsa

• She insulted Elsa during a chess match

• She pushed Elsa and caused her death

Multiple Choice

What is the mens rea (guilty mind) shown by Jennifer in her confession?

• She accidentally hurt Elsa during a practice

• She believed Elsa would be fine

• She was jealous and angry that Elsa always won

• She had no idea Elsa was on the ferry

Multiple Choice

Based on what she said and did, Jennifer’s mindset is best described as:

• Negligent — she had no idea her actions could hurt Elsa

• Intentional — she meant to hurt Elsa during the fight

• Accidental — she tripped and bumped into Elsa

Multiple Choice

Can a person be guilty of murder if they didn’t plan to kill, but meant to hurt someone and that person dies?

• No, murder only counts if it’s fully planned out

• Only if the person was over 18

• No, not if the victim fought back

• Yes, because serious harm that leads to death can still be murder

Multiple Choice

How might Jennifer’s age (14 years old) affect how we understand her mens rea?

• Her age could affect whether she fully understood the consequences

• Being 14 automatically means she’ll be tried as an adult

• She’s too young to understand her actions, so there is no mens rea

• Age doesn’t matter — anyone can have guilty intent

Multiple Choice

Are both actus reus and mens rea are present in this case? Why is that important?

• Yes, both are required to prove a crime

• Yes, but only in adult cases

• No, because it happened on a ferry

• No, only actus reus matters