(U of Sao Paulo
U of Porto, School of Law, 2020) Mallorquí-Ruscalleda, Enric
Abstract: In this essay, and with the purpose of better understanding the fundamental elements on which the U.S. criminal law is based, I propose, mainly: 1) to define actus reus and mens rea; 2) to trace their genealogy and historical evolution, especially as far as men rea is concerned; 3) the above will be completed with a brief comment on legal cases that were once very important in relation to mens rea.