Elements of Crime

1. Compare and contrast the roles of mens rea (i.e guilty mind) and actus rea (i.e, the forbidden act or omission)  as they relate to proving a crime has been committed.  Next, discuss whether the concurrent occurrence of these elements is more beneficial to the prosecution or the defense. Justify your response.

2. It is common knowledge that jurisdiction, the official power to make legal decisions and judgements, is virtually important to the adversarial legal system.  Discuss the importance of having either subject matter jurisdiction or personal jurisdiction over the cause of action. Include one example of the importance of the chosen jurisdiction to support your response.