... specified circumstances (e.g. the property belongs to another). Sometimes, however it may be an omission to act (e.g. failure to prevent death may be the actus reus of manslaughter) or it may include a specified consequence (death resulting within a year being the consequence required for the actus reus of murder or manslaughter). In certain cases the actus reus may simply be a state of affairs rather than an act (e.g. being unfit to drive through drink or drugs when in charge of a motor-vehicle on a road)". In order to complete the equation of a crime, a 'mens rea' has to be established. This is the mental element necessary for an offence as opposed the actual conduct or state of affairs which a particular offence prohibits (actus reus). 'Mens rea' is defined in the Oxford Dictionary of Law as follows: "[Latin: a guilty mind] The state of mind that the ...

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