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The paradigm case of a legal offense lies in the proof, beyond cheap doubt, that an individual is responsible of two things. First, the accused should commit an act which is deemed by society to be felony, or actus reus . Second, the accused must have the requisite malicious intent to do a criminal act, or mens rea . However, for thus Law called “strict legal responsibility” crimes, an actus reus is sufficient. Criminal methods of the civil law tradition distinguish between intention within the broad sense , and negligence. Negligence does not carry legal responsibility except a selected crime …
