Question

The latin maxim which means 'an act does not make one guilty unless the mind is also legally blameworthy' is..................

• A. actus non facit reum, nisi mens sit rea
• B. Actiones honorarire
• C. qui tam pro domino rege sequitur quam pro se ipso
• D. Actio non datur non damnificato

Hint:

Even if you don't know the full maxim, recognizing the key Latin terms \textit{actus reus} (the guilty act) and \textit{mens rea} (the guilty mind) can lead you to the correct answer. This maxim is the foundation for understanding criminal liability.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Step 1: Understanding the Concept
The question asks for the Latin maxim that embodies the fundamental principle of criminal law: that a crime requires both a wrongful act and a guilty mind.


Wrongful Act: Known as \textit{actus reus}.
Guilty Mind: Known as \textit{mens rea} (criminal intent).

Step 2: Translating and Analyzing the Maxims


(A) actus non facit reum, nisi mens sit rea: This translates directly to "an act does not make a man guilty unless his mind be also guilty". This perfectly captures the required principle.
(B) Actiones honorarire: A term from Roman law, referring to actions granted by the praetor. Not relevant.
(C) qui tam pro domino rege sequitur quam pro se ipso: Means "he who sues in this matter for the king as well as for himself". It refers to a type of lawsuit brought by a private citizen on behalf of the government. Not relevant.
(D) Actio non datur non damnificato: Means "an action is not given to one who is not injured". This is a principle of tort law (the standing to sue requires an actual injury). Not relevant to criminal intent.

Step 3: Final Answer
The maxim that states an act is not guilty without a guilty mind is "actus non facit reum, nisi mens sit rea". Therefore, option (A) is the correct answer.