Corpus delicti is simply defined as the body of the crime. However, there are several elements that make up corpus delicti. The two main elements that will be discussed are actus reus (guilty act) and mens rea (guilty mind). These elements must be proven for corpus delicti to be present.
The guilty act or actus reus is the actual crime that has been committed. The concept of culpability or blameworthiness is the key element in actus reus. If a degree of culpability is not met then there can not be a guilty act. It is up to the state to prove actus reus. The state must prove all of th…
