What does the legal term "actus reus" refer to?

The legal term "actus reus" refers to the action of committing a crime, making it essential for establishing criminal liability. In criminal law, this refers to the physical act or conduct that constitutes a criminal offense and is a critical component for determining if a crime has occurred.

Understanding the concept of actus reus helps clarify that mere thoughts or intentions to commit a crime are not sufficient for criminal liability; there must be an actual enactment of the crime. This distinguishes it from other legal principles such as "mens rea," which pertains to the mental state or intention behind the act.

Therefore, actus reus encompasses not only overt acts but also omissions to act when there is a legal duty to do so, affirming the requirement of a tangible action or behavior in the prosecution of criminal acts.