Practical Legal Guidance
Mens Rea
"A guilty mind" — the mental element required for criminal liability.
Detailed Meaning
Mens rea refers to the culpable mental state (intention, knowledge, recklessness, or negligence) that the prosecution must generally establish alongside the guilty act (actus reus) to secure a conviction for most offences, subject to statutory exceptions creating strict liability.
Authoritative Sources & Provenance
Related Concepts
General legal information for reference only, reviewed for accuracy but not a substitute for advice from a qualified advocate on your specific facts.