definition of mens rea
Mens rea: Latin for guilty mind; guilty knowledge or intention to commit a prohibited act. Also: a particular state of mind such as the intent to cause, or some foresight of, the results of the act or the state of affairs. (R v Daviault [1994] 3 SCR 63 at para. 74). Many serious crimes require the proof of mens rea before a person can be convicted. In other words, the prosecution must prove not only that the accused committed the offence (actus reus) but that he (or she) did it knowing that it was prohibited; that their act (or omission) was done with an intent to commit the crime.