... circumstances given offer analysis of the fundamental elements, which constitute a crime, the actus reus, mens rea and the absence of a valid defence. This, addressed in lectures, can be summarised as (Actus reus - mens rea) - defence = criminal liability. It would be logical to address the first of these elements the actus reus (the 'guilty act'), subsequently those elements that result beneath that title- omissions and causation-and establishing if Dave qualifies for this element and under what crime. An actus reus must be completed in order for there to be an offence, committed in legally relevant circumstances1 (Deller). Crimes can be divided into two categories2: those crimes known as 'conduct' crimes and those known as 'result' crimes. 'Conduct' crimes are where only the surface component is required as the prohibited conduct itself. 'Result' crimes are where the external components of the offence require proof that the conduct caused a ...

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