English Criminal Law - Criminal Law Elements

Criminal Law Elements

The two basic elements of a crime are the act of doing that which is criminal, and the intention to carry it out. In Latin this is called the actus reus and the mens rea. In many crimes however, there is no necessity of showing criminal intention, which is why the term "strict liability" is used.

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Famous quotes containing the words criminal, law and/or elements:

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    Pompey. If the law would allow it, sir.
    Escalus. But the law will not allow it, Pompey; nor it shall not be allowed in Vienna.
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    An illustrious individual remarks that Mrs. [Elizabeth Cady] Stanton is the salt, Anna Dickinson the pepper, and Miss [Susan B.] Anthony the vinegar of the Female Suffrage movement. The very elements get the “white male” into a nice pickle.
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