mens rea [ˈmɛnz ˈreɪə]
n
(Law) Law a criminal intention or knowledge that an act is wrong. It is assumed to be an ingredient of all criminal offences although some minor statutory offences are punishable irrespective of it
[Latin, literally: guilty mind]
ThesaurusLegend: Synonyms Related Words Antonyms
| Noun | 1. |  mens rea - (law) criminal intent; the thoughts and intentions behind a wrongful act (including knowledge that the act is illegal); often at issue in murder trialsplanning, preparation, provision - the cognitive process of thinking about what you will do in the event of something happening; "his planning for retirement was hindered by several uncertainties" premeditation - (law) thought and intention to commit a crime well in advance of the crime; goes to show criminal intent law, jurisprudence - the collection of rules imposed by authority; "civilization presupposes respect for the law"; "the great problem for jurisprudence to allow freedom while enforcing order" |
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