ABSTRACT
A crime is conduct which has been defined as such by statute or by common law. To be convicted of a crime, two essential elements must be proved:
1 The Actus Reus – the prohibited act, omission, or state of affairs; and
2 The Mens Rea – the required state of mind, such as intent or recklessness
The main exception to this is crimes of strict liability where no mens rea need be proved.
