Elements of a Crime Reading Review

What does “mens rea” mean in criminal law?

• Guilty act

• Legal obligation

• Guilty mind

• Physical evidence

What does “actus reus” refer to?

• A person’s motive

• A criminal’s thoughts

• A guilty act or physical action

• Court procedures

Which of the following best describes intentional mens rea?

• Accidentally causing harm

• Taking a risk without thinking

• Acting with purpose to commit a crime

• Breaking a law without knowing

A person who shoots into a crowd, not aiming at anyone in particular, but still hits someone could be said to have acted with:

• Negligence

• Strict liability

• Intent

• Recklessness

Driving while texting and hitting a pedestrian would most likely be considered:

• Intentional

• Negligent

• Strict liability

• Reckless

What is an example of a voluntary act (actus reus)?

• Sneezing in public

• Forgetting to turn off the oven

• Punching someone in an argument

• Having a nightmare

Which is an example of an omission that could be considered actus reus?

• Not studying for a test

• Failing to feed a dependent child

• Refusing to speak to police

• Ignoring a social media comment

Strict liability crimes focus on:

• A person’s mental state

• Police intent

• The act itself, not the intent

• Whether the harm was serious

Which of the following crimes does NOT require proof of mens rea?

• Murder

• Burglary

• Selling alcohol to minors

• Assault

Why is selling alcohol to a minor considered a strict liability offense?

• It requires proof of negligence.
• Because all alcohol laws require intent

• Because intent doesn’t matter — it’s the seller’s responsibility to check

• Because minors can't be trusted