TITLE: THE FUNDAMENTALS OF CRIMINAL LAW (GUIDE 01)
1. THE TWIN PILLARS: ACTUS REUS & MENS REA
a. Actus Reus (The Physical Act): For a crime to exist, a physical act must be committed.
b. Example: A person pulls a trigger. The act of pulling the trigger is the Actus Reus.
c. Mens Rea (The Guilty Mind): The intention or knowledge of wrongdoing.
d. Example: If a person accidentally bumps into someone, there is no Mens Rea. If they plan to
push them, there is Mens Rea.
2. STAGES OF A CRIME
a. A crime generally progresses through four specific stages:
b. Intention: Mental stage (Not punishable).
c. Preparation: Gathering tools/plans (Usually not punishable, except for serious crimes like
waging war against the State).
Attempt: Taking a direct step toward the crime. (Punishable even if the crime fails).
Commission: The final act is successful.
3. COGNIZABLE VS. NON-COGNIZABLE OFFENCES
a. Cognizable: Serious crimes (e.g., Murder, Theft). Police can arrest the suspect without a
1
1. THE TWIN PILLARS: ACTUS REUS & MENS REA
a. Actus Reus (The Physical Act): For a crime to exist, a physical act must be committed.
b. Example: A person pulls a trigger. The act of pulling the trigger is the Actus Reus.
c. Mens Rea (The Guilty Mind): The intention or knowledge of wrongdoing.
d. Example: If a person accidentally bumps into someone, there is no Mens Rea. If they plan to
push them, there is Mens Rea.
2. STAGES OF A CRIME
a. A crime generally progresses through four specific stages:
b. Intention: Mental stage (Not punishable).
c. Preparation: Gathering tools/plans (Usually not punishable, except for serious crimes like
waging war against the State).
Attempt: Taking a direct step toward the crime. (Punishable even if the crime fails).
Commission: The final act is successful.
3. COGNIZABLE VS. NON-COGNIZABLE OFFENCES
a. Cognizable: Serious crimes (e.g., Murder, Theft). Police can arrest the suspect without a
1
