SOC209H5 Lecture Notes - Mens Rea, Actus Reus
Document Summary
Crime is defined in strictly legal terms, it is legally defined. Crime is an act that is punishable by law. Crime is an illegal act defined by law. Criminal intent refers to mens rea (latin: guilty mind) Intent to do a crime or cause harm the perpetrator intentionally commits a crime which is premeditated. Accused have an awareness of the circumstances to commit the crime, may not been premeditated but perpetrator knew that harm would result. Recklessness refers to where individual violates law by lacking appropriate care and attention. If a perpetrator didn"t voluntarily act, but were for example forced, they would not have actus reus (voluntary action, latin: guilty act) and would therefore, not legally be considered guilty.
