What is the term for a guilty act in the context of criminal law?

The term that refers to a guilty act in criminal law is "actus reus." This concept is fundamental in criminal law as it denotes the physical act or conduct that constitutes a criminal offense. For a crime to occur, there must typically be an actus reus, which can include doing something unlawful, failing to act when required, or a result of a person's actions that lead to criminal liability.

Understanding actus reus is crucial because it establishes the tangible action that can be assessed and judged in a court of law. While mens rea refers to the mental state or intention behind the action, actus reus focuses on the actual behavior of the accused. This distinction between the act (actus reus) and the intention (mens rea) is essential for determining guilt in criminal proceedings.

Other concepts like inchoate offenses relate to acts that are preparatory or incomplete in terms of criminal activity rather than the actual guilty act. Legal intent, while relevant in assessing mental state and culpability, does not represent the physical act and thus does not fit as the term for a guilty act.