SOCI 327 Chapter Notes - Chapter 1: Actus Reus, Mens Rea, The Foundations
24 Jan 2019
School
Department
Course
Professor
Document Summary
The controversies that surround the criminal justice system, such as whether certain groups or individuals are treated differently than others, are often a reflection of issues in the larger. Politics often plays a role in defining what behaviour is a crime and what the response will be. The major components of the criminal justice system are the police, the courts, and corrections. The victims of crime, offenders, and the community are also important considerations. Certain groups of offenders, including indigenous and radicalized persons and others, may face particular challenges. A crime is generally defined as an act or omission that is prohibited by criminal law. Two critical ingredients of a crime are the commission of an act (actus reus) and the mental intent to commit the act (mens rea) Commits an act or fails to commit an act when under a legal responsibility to do so. Has the intent, or mens rea, to commit the act.
