Criminal Liability
Historically in our criminal-justice system, two things must have been present for criminal liability to attach to an action. First, a person must have the intent to take the criminal action. Traditionally this culpable state of mind was called mens rea, Latin for guilty mind. The second requirement for criminal liability is actus reus, Latin for guilty act. The prohibited physical event must take place in combination with the requisite criminal intention for the actual commission of a crime to take place.
Disclaimer: This site contains general information only. It is not intended to provide legal advice, nor does it substitute for the professional judgment of Ms. Goykhman concerning the facts and the laws that apply in your individual case. For legal advice, please call Goykhman Law at 206-226-7996.