Question

the term ______ refers to a wrongful mental state, which is usually as necessary as a wrongful act in determining guilt.
a. mala prohibita
b. actus reus
c. mens rea
d. mala in se

Explanation:

• Mala prohibita refers to acts wrong only because they are prohibited, not a mental state.
• Actus reus is the wrongful physical act, not a mental state.
• Mens rea is the legal term for the wrongful mental state required to establish guilt, paired with actus reus.
• Mala in se refers to acts inherently wrong, not a mental state.

Answer:

c. mens rea