Guilty Mind, Guilty Act

[Verse 1] Listen up, future lawyers, gather 'round Two things make a crime, let me break it down Mens rea, actus reus, that's the key Without these elements, no crime can be [Chorus] Guilty mind, guilty act Two parts of crime, that's a legal fact (Mens rea, actus reus) Can't have one without the other That's what makes a crime, discover! [Verse 2] Actus reus, that's the guilty deed Physical action is what you need Can't convict thoughts without an act Voluntary movement, that's a fact No crime for dreaming, no crime for thinking Only real actions got the system ticking [Verse 3] Mens rea means a guilty mind Four different types you need to find: Purpose - when you truly meant to do it Knowledge - knew what you were getting into it Reckless - knew the risks but still went through Negligent - should've known better, that's on you [Chorus] Guilty mind, guilty act Two parts of crime, that's a legal fact (Mens rea, actus reus) Can't have one without the other That's what makes a crime, discover! [Verse 4] Some exceptions to the rule exist Strict liability, put it on your list No mental state required for these Like speeding tickets with automated fees [Outro] So remember when you're studying law These two elements are at its core Mens rea plus actus reus combine That's what makes an act a crime!