Multiple choice

The maxim “actus non facit reum nisi mens sit rea” means

  1. Prohibited act constitutes an offence

  2. Guilty intention of the accused constitutes an offence

  3. Neither guilty intention alone nor the prohibited act alone constitutes an offence

  4. Prohibited act followed by guilty intention constitutes an offence
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
D Correct answer
Explanation

The Latin maxim 'actus non facit reum nisi mens sit rea' is a fundamental principle in criminal law. It means that a prohibited act alone does not constitute a crime - there must also be a guilty mind (mens rea). Option D correctly captures this by stating that both the prohibited act AND the guilty intention must be present for an offence to be constituted. Option A incorrectly focuses only on the act, while Option B focuses only on intention. Option C is wrong because either element alone is insufficient.

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