What does 'actus reus' refer to in criminal law?

'Actus reus' refers to the physical act of committing a crime, which is an essential element of criminal liability. In criminal law, for a person to be held legally responsible for an offense, it is necessary to establish that a specific act was performed that constitutes the crime. This could include actions, such as theft or assault, as well as omissions, which are failures to act when there is a legal duty to do so.

Understanding 'actus reus' is crucial because it differentiates between mere thoughts or intentions—known as 'mens rea' or the mental state of the offender—and the actual deeds that constitute wrongdoing. A clear demonstration of actus reus provides the basis for the prosecution to show that a crime occurred and that the defendant took part in it actively. This concept is foundational in criminal justice, ensuring that individuals cannot be punished simply for their thoughts or intentions without actual conduct that violates the law.

The other options refer to different legal concepts: the mental state of the offender pertains to 'mens rea,' legal consequences refer to the outcomes of a conviction, and jurisdiction relates to the legal authority under which crimes are prosecuted. These aspects are important in the field of criminal justice but do not directly define 'actus reus.'