MENS REA
\mˈɛnz ɹˈi͡ə], \mˈɛnz ɹˈiə], \m_ˈɛ_n_z ɹ_ˈiə]\
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(law) criminal intent; the thoughts and intentions behind a wrongful act (including knowledge that the act is illegal); often at issue in murder trials
By Princeton University
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The mental component of criminal liability. To be guilty of most crimes, a defendant must have committed the criminal act (the actus reus) in a certain mental state (the mens rea). The mens rea of robbery, for example, is the intent to permanently deprive the owner of his property.
By Oddity Software
Word of the day
Snake's-head
- Guinea-hen flower; -- so called in England because its spotted petals resemble the scales of a snake's head.