Kyd et al, Clarkson and Keating book summaries

“The actus reus of an offence is the physical element of the crime, the external conduct that must be proved before liability can be imposed.”

Opening definition of actus reus in the chapter, establishing the foundational concept.

“Intention is the decision to bring about a prohibited consequence, and it is to be distinguished from recklessness, which involves taking an unjustified risk.”

Discussion of the distinction between intention and recklessness in the mens rea section.

“An omission will only give rise to criminal liability where there is a legal duty to act.”

Explanation of the circumstances under which a failure to act can constitute the actus reus.

“The defendant's conduct must be a substantial and operating cause of the prohibited result.”

Statement of the legal causation requirement in the causation section.

“The principle of concurrence requires that the actus reus and mens rea coincide in time.”

Introduction to the concurrence principle, emphasizing the need for temporal overlap.