Definition of mens rea in English:
mens rea
noun ˌmɛnz ˈriːəmenz ˈrēə
mass nounLaw The intention or knowledge of wrongdoing that constitutes part of a crime, as opposed to the action or conduct of the accused.
a mistaken belief in consent meant that the defendant lacked mens rea
Compare with actus reus
Example sentencesExamples
- The lack of mens rea is what protects a two-year-old from facing charges of theft.
- The mens rea or mental element of a crime is usually based on the intention of the accused at the time.
- There was no requirement in the relevant act that his mens rea should relate to a named victim.
- An injury caused without mens rea might be grounds for civil liability but typically not for criminal.
- If there is no mens rea such as in an accident, an individual cannot be found guilty of a crime requiring criminal intent.
Synonyms
planning, intent, forethought, pre-planning, advance planning, prearrangement, deliberation
Origin
Latin, literally 'guilty mind'.