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9084 · 2.1.1

Actus reus

**Actus reus** (2.1.1) opens Paper 2. Master **causation chain** for problem questions. Every offence requires a **voluntary act** (*Hill v Baxter*) unless a **duty to act** makes an omission sufficient (*R v Pittwood* — contractual duty). For **result crimes**, prove **factual causation** (but-for) then **legal causation** (operating and substantial cause). Watch for **novus actus interveniens** — *R v Pagett* (victim's reasonable act) vs *R v Jordan* (palpably wrong medical treatment).

Need to know

What you need to know

  • Actus reus is the physical or external element of a crime.
  • It can be an act, an omission, or a state of affairs.
  • The prosecution must prove the actus reus beyond reasonable doubt.
  • No actus reus means no criminal liability can be established.

Explanation

Actus reus

  1. Actus reus is the physical or external element of a crime.
  2. It can be an act, an omission, or a state of affairs.
  3. The prosecution must prove the actus reus beyond reasonable doubt.
  4. No actus reus means no criminal liability can be established.
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