--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: For something to be a crime there must be…" description: "\"“For something to be a crime there must be both an actus reus and mens rea — that is, a criminal act accompanied by a criminal state of mind.”\" — Alan ..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/04d/alan-dershowitz-2194_crime_for-something-to-be-a-crime-there-must-b_1907852.png" --- # For something to be a crime there must be both an actus… ![“For something to be a crime there must be both an actus reus and mens rea — that is, a criminal act accompanied by a criminal state of mind.” quote by Alan Dershowitz](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/04d/alan-dershowitz-2194_crime_for-something-to-be-a-crime-there-must-b_1907852.png) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/04d/alan-dershowitz-2194_crime_for-something-to-be-a-crime-there-must-b_1907852.png) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/04d/alan-dershowitz-2194_crime_for-something-to-be-a-crime-there-must-b_1907852.png) > ““For something to be a crime there must be both an actus reus and mens rea — that is, a criminal act accompanied by a criminal state of mind.”” [Alan Dershowitz](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/alan-dershowitz/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. A crime requires both a guilty act and a guilty mind, meaning both conduct and intent must be proven. **In simple terms:** Both act and intent needed for crime. Key Takeaway Consider both elements when evaluating wrongdoing. Themes law ethics responsibility Mood analytical serious Type educational explanatory When to use this quote - court trials - policy drafting - law school - public safety Key Concepts mens rea actus reus criminal liability Questions to Reflect On - How do we prove intent? - Can negligence substitute for mens rea? 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