What is the coincidence rule?

For a crime to be fully established, both the actus reus and the mens rea must be present simultaneously. This is a fundamental requirement under English law, ensuring fairness and justice in criminal proceedings.

This coincidence of actus reus and mens rea is often referred to as the contemporaneity rule. It underscores the importance of the mental state being contemporaneous with the physical act, reflecting the criminal's culpability at the moment of the offense.

The foundation of English law upholds a crucial principle pertaining to criminal liability. This principle necessitates the concurrence of two essential elements: the actus reus and the mens rea.

The actus reus refers to the physical act or omission that constitutes the offense. It is the external element of the crime, observable and verifiable through evidence.

The contemporaneity rule is significant as it prevents individuals from being held criminally responsible for actions they did not intend or were unaware of their criminal nature. It ensures that guilt is attributed only to those who possess the necessary mental state.