Louisiana Private Investigator Licensing Practice Exam

Which term describes the physical component involved in the commission of a crime?

1. Mens rea

2. Actus reus

3. Intent

4. Fraud

The correct answer is: Actus reus

The term that accurately describes the physical component involved in the commission of a crime is "actus reus." This concept refers specifically to the actual act or conduct that constitutes a criminal offense. For a crime to occur, there typically needs to be an action taken or an omission of action when there is a legal duty to act. In legal terms, actus reus encompasses not only the physical act itself but also the circumstances surrounding the act that contribute to its criminality. For example, in the case of theft, the act of taking someone else's property with the intent to permanently deprive them of it constitutes actus reus. On the other hand, "mens rea" refers to the mental state or intent of the individual committing the crime, indicating their intention to engage in the harmful behavior. While intent and mental state are crucial elements in many crimes, they do not represent the physical act involved. Terms like "intent" are related to the psychological components that accompany a crime, and "fraud" is essentially a specific type of crime characterized by deception. Therefore, actus reus is the appropriate term that highlights the physical aspect of criminal activity.