Which term translates literally to 'the body of the delict'?

• A. Actus reus
• B. Mens rea
• C. Mala prohibita
• D. Corpus delicti

Answer: (D)

The key idea is the phrase used to describe the actual facts that prove a crime occurred. Corpus delicti literally means “the body of the delict” (or “body of the crime”). It refers to the essential elements that show a crime happened—something tangible, independent of a confession or statements. In other words, there must be proof of the crime’s occurrence itself, not just evidence of the person’s intent or actions.

Actus reus means “guilty act,” the physical act or conduct that constitutes the crime. Mens rea means “guilty mind,” the mental state accompanying the conduct. Mala prohibita means “wrongs prohibited,” offenses created by law rather than inherently evil acts. The term that literally translates to “the body of the delict” is corpus delicti.