Which term describes the physical act or conduct element of a crime?

• A. Actus reus
• B. Mens rea
• C. Concurrence
• D. Causation

Answer: (A)

The physical act or conduct element is called actus reus. In criminal law, a crime generally has two parts: what you did or failed to do (the act or omission) and your mental state at the time (the mens rea). Actus reus covers the actual conduct that violates the law or a legally required duty to act. It must be voluntary and voluntary control over the action matters; omissions can count when there’s a duty to act. This is why actus reus is the best answer for describing the physical component.

Mens rea refers to the guilty mind or intent, not the action itself. Concurrence is the requirement that the mental state and the conduct occur together to form a crime. Causation concerns the link between the conduct and the resulting harm or prohibited outcome.