Articles related to "Mens Rea"

Mens rea, the 'fault element' of a crime, attempts to ensure that only those who are morally culpable will be punished by the criminal courts.

In criminal law, mens rea - the guilty mind - is usually one of the necessary elements of a crime.

A crime has been charged. The defendant pleads not guilty. What must the state prove? Why?

Strict liability makes a person responsible for the loss or damage caused by their acts or omissions regardless of culpability.

Actus reus comprises all the elements of the statutory or common law definition of a crime save those to do with the defendant's state of mind.

There are two types of evidence presented at a trial: direct evidence and circumstantial evidence. One, if believed directly proves a fact, the other implies a fact.

Duress of circumstances is a recognition in English Law that sometimes it is necessary to commit a crime in order to avoid a greater evil.

We all heard the terms "psychopath" or "sociopath". It is hard to distinguish narcissists from psychopaths.

The concept of dishonesty is the cornerstone of establishing the intent, and therefore liability, of the defendant for many crimes. But how is dishonesty identified?

The narcissist suffers from uncontrollable rage and grandiose fantasies. Most narcissists are also mildly obsessive-compulsive. Yet, all narcissists should be held accoun

But if personality disorders are not objective clinical entities - what should we make of the insanity defense (NGRI- Not Guilty by Reason of Insanity)?

As the law requires criminal acts be committed voluntarily and non-insane automatism occurs where the body acts without conscious instruction, automatism is a defence.

Many concepts in criminal and civil law are Latin terms. Familiarity with Latin legal phrases helps one understand judicial practices, whether in court, or just on TV.