Criminal Law: The Actus Reus Requirement [LEAP Preview]

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00:00 Four Essential Elements of a Crime
Introduces the four elements—actus reus, mens rea, concurrence, and causation—that the prosecution must prove in almost all criminal cases.

02:11 Murder Example Applying All Four Elements
Uses a hypothetical to illustrate how each element is satisfied in a clear-cut case.

04:27 Actus Reus: The Voluntary Act Requirement
Explains that, with limited exceptions, a crime requires a voluntary act, not just criminal thoughts or fantasies.

06:29 Defining a Voluntary Act
Clarifies that a voluntary act is a bodily movement caused by the human mind, not just an organ’s automatic function.

12:30 Involuntary Acts vs. Habitual Acts
Distinguishes involuntary acts like seizures from habitual acts, which still count as voluntary under criminal law.

15:15 Time Framing and People v. Decina
Shows how courts may shift the time frame to find a voluntary act when the defendant knew of a risk, such as driving while prone to seizures.

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