Which statement lists the elements typically required to prove a crime?

• A. The elements are actus reus and mens rea only.
• B. Actus reus, mens rea, concurrence, and causation; legality may apply to some offenses.
• C. Proving a crime requires only motive.
• D. There are no fixed elements for crimes.

Answer: (B)

To prove a crime, you must show both what was done and the mindset behind it, and that these parts are legally connected to produce the forbidden result. Actus reus is the actual prohibited conduct or the failure to act when there is a duty to do so. Mens rea is the mental state—the intent, knowledge, or recklessness—behind the conduct. Concurrence means the guilty mind must accompany the act and drive the conduct. Causation links the act to the resulting harm, showing that the defendant’s conduct caused the outcome. Legality, the principle of legality, requires that there be a law defining the conduct as criminal, though some offenses may involve this element differently or not at all depending on the jurisdiction.

Motive alone does not establish guilt, and crimes are generally described by multiple elements rather than a single factor, which is why the combination of actus reus, mens rea, concurrence, and causation (with legality applying where appropriate) is the most accurate description.