Actus reus & Mens rea (paired concept)

Meaning: Actus reus = guilty act; Mens rea = guilty mind.
Explanation: Criminal liability normally requires both a prohibited action and a culpable mental state. The pairing protects against punishing accidental conduct and tailors punishment to moral blameworthiness. Different crimes require different mental states (intent, recklessness, negligence).
Example: A person who accidentally breaks a window while playing won’t usually face criminal charges unless they intended or were recklessly indifferent.