Criminal Law: The Actus Reus Requirement [LEAP Preview]

Want the rest of this video? Unlock the full lesson — plus 200+ videos, outlines, study aids, and more — for just $29/month: https://www.studicata.com 00:00 Four Essential Elements of a Crime Introduces the four elements—actus reus, mens rea, concurrence, and causation—that the prosecution must prove in almost all criminal cases. 02:11 Murder Example Applying All Four Elements Uses a hypothetical to illustrate how each element is satisfied in a clear-cut case. 04:27 Actus Reus: The Voluntary Act Requirement Explains that, with limited exceptions, a crime requires a voluntary act, not just criminal thoughts or fantasies. 06:29 Defining a Voluntary Act Clarifies that a voluntary act is a bodily movement caused by the human mind, not just an organ’s automatic function. 12:30 Involuntary Acts vs. Habitual Acts Distinguishes involuntary acts like seizures from habitual acts, which still count as voluntary under criminal law. 15:15 Time Framing and People v. Decina Shows how courts may shift the time frame to find a voluntary act when the defendant knew of a risk, such as driving while prone to seizures. 18:29 Ace Law School & Pass the Bar Exam ($29/Month) Access 200+ videos, outlines, study aids, and more — for just $29/month: https://www.studicata.com Thinking about using Studicata? You’re in good company. ✅ Trusted by 100,000+ law students and bar takers ✅ Featured and recommended by top law schools ✅ Named the 81st fastest-growing education company in the U.S. by Inc. See why so many future lawyers choose us to study smarter—not harder: 👉 https://www.studicata.com