Actus reus

The physical element of a crime: the prohibited act, omission or state of affairs, together with any circumstances and result that the offence needs.

1. An act (doing something prohibited), or an omission (failing to do what the law requires).
2. Any required circumstances or result, such as the death of a person in murder.

• R v. Miller (1983), House of Lords: a man who started a fire by accident did nothing to put it out. Held: he was guilty because he failed to act after he knew of the danger.

Asked as the first element of crime along with mens rea.

Actus = action.

Actus reus is the act or omission that the law forbids.