actus reus

noun

ac·​tus re·​us
ˈak-təs-ˈrē-əs, ˈäk-tu̇s-ˈrā-u̇s
: the wrongful act that makes up the physical action of a crime see also crime compare mens rea

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, guilty deed

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actuary
actus reus
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Cite this Entry

“Actus reus.” Merriam-Webster.com Legal Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/legal/actus%20reus. Accessed 22 Jul. 2025.

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