Definition of mens rea
: criminal intent
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Origin and Etymology of mens rea
New Latin, literally, guilty mind
First Known Use: 1861
Law Dictionary
mens rea
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noun
\ˈmenz-ˈrē-ə, -ˈrā-\
Legal Definition of mens rea
mentes reae
\ˈmen-ˌtēz-ˈrē-ˌē, ˈmen-ˌtās-ˈrā-ˌī\: a culpable mental state; especially : one involving intent or knowledge and forming an element of a criminal offense murder contains a mens rea element — compare actus reus
Origin and Etymology of mens rea
New Latin, literally, guilty mind
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