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Old 03-15-2011, 01:18 PM   #25
slave_master
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Join Date: Feb 2009
Posts: 41
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It does not matter if it was your actual intent, it is if it was reasonably excpected that the act could cause offence.

The Actus Reus of your action was what you actually did.
The Mens Reus was your intention.

Both need to be apparent for a prosecution.

The Actus Reus is clearly present as you did what you did.
The mens reus may not be, however, as it was reasonably expected, it would count but maybe on a lesser charge.

Simlar with Murder and Manslaughter.
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