<P> Mens rea ( / ˈmɛnz ˈriːə / ; Law Latin for `` guilty mind '' ) is the mental element of a person 's intention to commit a crime ; or knowledge that one 's action or lack of action would cause a crime to be committed . It is a necessary element of many crimes . </P>
<P> Mens rea ( / ˈmɛnz ˈriːə / ; Law Latin for `` guilty mind '' ) is the mental element of a person 's intention to commit a crime ; or knowledge that one 's action or lack of action would cause a crime to be committed . It is a necessary element of many crimes . </P>
​ common law false pretenses mens rea requires the purpose or specific intent to
​ common law false pretenses mens rea requires the purpose or specific intent to
commit a crime ; or knowledge that one 's action or lack of action would cause a crime to be committed
commit a crime ; or knowledge that one 's action or lack of action would cause a crime to be committed