Final answer:
Actus reus involves five elements: voluntary act or omission, causation of a harmful effect, specific setting, particular time, and violation of criminal law. These components must be proven to constitute a criminal act.
Step-by-step explanation:
The act or actus reus refers to the physical element of a crime, which must be present alongside the mental element, or mens rea, to constitute a criminal offense. The actus reus has several elements that form the basis of a criminal act. Below are five elements often associated with the actus reus component of a crime:
- A voluntary act or omission to act
- That causes a harmful effect
- The occurrence in a specific setting or location
- During a particular moment in time
- Which is prohibited by criminal law
Each element must be proven for an individual to be held accountable for a crime. For instance, a voluntary act differentiates criminal behavior from conduct that is not within one's control, such as reflexive or convulsive actions. The harmful effect typically refers to the damage, injury, or detriment that results from the act. Moreover, the timing and setting can play significant roles in the context of certain crimes. Lastly, the act must contravene a criminal law, emphasizing that not every immoral or unethical act is necessarily a crime unless it's defined as such by legislation.
The complete question is: the act or actus reus (5 elements of a crime) is: