Law Homework- Half Term Homework
Question 1
a) Actus Reus is a Latin term given that represents the ‘guilty act’, when proved before reasonable doubt. In order for an Actus Reus to be committed there has to have been an act. Various common law jurisdictions define the act differently but generally, an act is a "bodily movement whether voluntary or involuntary”.
Actus Reus is found in a voluntary deliberate act for someone has to commit a crime and be found liable for it. However it must be proven that the person committed both the Actus Reus and the Mens Rea. The Actus Reus must be a voluntary or deliberate act. The act can also be found as involuntary this would include things like closing your eyes whilst sneezing or any reflex actions, or being physically made be a stronger person. One case study and example of Actus Reus is Hill v Baxter (1958) in this case study the court gave examples of a driver not driving voluntarily, and the victim was hit over the head with a stone, or being stung by a swarm of bees.
