Consider the following statements:

The actus reus is made up of

1. Human action which is usually termed as conduct

2. The result of such act in the special specified circumstances which is designated as injury.

Which one of the statements above is/are correct?

Solution

Actus reus refers to the physical or external elements of a crime, such as the conduct or action that constitutes the crime and the resulting harm or injury caused by that conduct. It is one of the two essential components of a crime, the other being mens rea or the mental intent to commit the crime. Statement 1 is correct as the actus reus is typically comprised of human conduct, which refers to the physical act or action that constitutes the crime. The conduct can be an affirmative action, such as hitting someone, or a failure to act, such as failing to rescue someone in danger. Statement 2 is also correct as the actus reus may also include the result of such conduct, which is the harm or injury caused by the conduct, especially in the specified circumstances of the crime. For example, in a murder case, the actus reus includes the conduct of killing someone as well as the resulting injury or death caused by the conduct.