Which term refers to bad intent in criminal law?

• A. Actus Reus
• B. Strict Liability
• C. Mens Rea
• D. Motive

Answer: (C)

Bad intent is described by mens rea—the mental state that accompanies the prohibited act. Mens rea covers the various levels of awareness or intent a defendant must have, such as intending the act, knowing it’s wrong, or acting with reckless disregard for consequences, depending on the crime. In contrast, actus reus is the actual physical act, strict liability offenses don’t require proof of mens rea, and motive explains why someone did the act but isn’t the element that makes them legally guilty. So the term for bad intent is mens rea.