Suburban Law Enforcement Academy (SLEA) BA State Certification Practice Exam

What is the Latin term that refers to a substantial fact of a crime being committed?

1. Mens Rea

2. Corpus Delicti

3. Actus Reus

4. In Re

The correct answer is: Corpus Delicti

The Latin term that refers to a substantial fact of a crime being committed is "Corpus Delicti." This phrase translates to "the body of the crime," and it signifies that there must be concrete evidence that a crime has occurred before someone can be convicted of that crime. Essentially, it underscores the principle that a crime cannot be established solely based on confession; there must be physical evidence or proof to support that a criminal act has taken place. In the context of this question, identifying the substantial fact aligns perfectly with the concept of "Corpus Delicti." It is crucial in criminal law as it ensures that no one is wrongfully convicted based solely on unsubstantiated claims. The other terms mentioned relate to different aspects of criminal law, such as "Mens Rea," which refers to the mental state or intent behind the crime, and "Actus Reus," which refers to the actual act of committing the crime. "In Re" is a legal term often used in proceedings that deal with matters concerning a particular party or issue, but it does not pertain to the concept of proving that a crime has taken place.