actus non facit reum nisi mens sit rea
The act does not make [a person] guilty unless the mind should be guilty.
Notes
A legal term outlining the presumption of mens rea in a crime.
Words
- facis – a bundle, packet
- facies – appearance, aspect, condition, countenance, face, look, visage
- facina – action, bad deed, crime, deed, villainy
- facile – easily, readily, without difficulty
- nisi – except, if not, unless
- non – not
- facio – be of service, help, suffer, suit, to experience, to give permission, to sacrifice