Final answer:
The intent to carry out a criminal act or actus reus is a concept in criminal law that requires a specific state of mind to commit a crime. Laws define what actions are considered crimes and punishments for them, but what is considered a crime can vary by location and change over time.
Step-by-step explanation:
The intent to perform the criminal act or actus reus refers to the fundamental concept in criminal law that an individual must have a certain state of mind to commit a crime. In criminal law, a law prohibits actions that could harm or endanger others, and establishes punishments for those actions.
We can understand crime as an illegal act, and this definition can change depending on the location and laws in place. It's crucial to recognize that while laws can be influenced by moral and justice-based ideas, they are not inherently moral and reflect the attitudes and biases of lawmakers at the time of their creation.