What are the two elements that constitute the liability for a crime?

• A. Causation and Duty
• B. Actus Reus and Mens Rea
• C. Intent and Negligence
• D. Duty and Causation

Answer: (B)

Criminal liability rests on two core requirements: the physical act or omission and a guilty state of mind at the time. The first, actus reus, is the actual conduct that violates the law—whether a voluntary act or a failed duty to act in certain situations. It also typically involves showing a causal link to the prohibited result. The second, mens rea, is the mental state accompanying the act—going from intent or knowledge to recklessness or negligence, depending on the offense. For most crimes, both elements must be established: there was a prohibited act, and the person acted with the necessary intent or fault. Some offenses, called strict liability, skip the mens rea requirement, but the standard approach is that liability comes from the combination of actus reus and mens rea.