Actus Reus — definition?
The physical element of a crime.
Sine Qua Non — role?
Indispensable condition for criminal liability.
Substantive and Objective — relation?
Actus reus involves physical facts, not mental state.
Ingredients of Actus Reus?
Actions, omissions, causal link.
Conduct Element — definition?
Physical behavior constituting actus reus.
Conduct varies by?
Offense type and legal definition.
Action or Omission — criminal?
Both can be criminal if law prescribes.
Duty to Act — source?
Law, relationships, voluntary assumption.
Circumstance Element — role?
External facts necessary for offense.
Result Element — purpose?
Establishes harm caused by conduct.
Causation — meaning?
Link between conduct and result.
Factual Causation — test?
'But for' the conduct, result wouldn’t occur.
Legal Causation — focus?
Substantial and blameworthy cause.
Intervening Acts — effect?
Can break causation if independent and unforeseeable.
Factual vs Legal — difference?
Factual: 'but for' test; Legal: normative judgment.
Types of Causation?
Direct, indirect, concurrent, cumulative.
Test your knowledge with 8 questions on Foundations of Actus Reus and Causation.
1. When was the principle of 'sine qua non' as a key element of actus reus formally recognized in modern criminal law doctrine?
2. How does establishing a legal duty to act influence the causal relationship in omission offenses?
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