<P> The standard common law test of criminal liability is expressed in the Latin phrase actus reus non facit reum nisi mens sit rea , i.e. `` the act is not culpable unless the mind is guilty '' . In jurisdictions with due process , there must be both actus reus ( `` guilty act '' ) and mens rea for a defendant to be guilty of a crime ( see concurrence ) . As a general rule , someone who acted without mental fault is not liable in criminal law . Exceptions are known as strict liability crimes . </P>
<P> The standard common law test of criminal liability is expressed in the Latin phrase actus reus non facit reum nisi mens sit rea , i.e. `` the act is not culpable unless the mind is guilty '' . In jurisdictions with due process , there must be both actus reus ( `` guilty act '' ) and mens rea for a defendant to be guilty of a crime ( see concurrence ) . As a general rule , someone who acted without mental fault is not liable in criminal law . Exceptions are known as strict liability crimes . </P>
crimes that do not require mens rea are known as
crimes that do not require mens rea are known as
strict liability crimes
strict liability crimes