Guilt (law)

High school (ages 12+)
People & Society

Name:

Date:

Step 1 · Read the article

Open the article and read it at the level above. Then answer the questions below in your own words.

https://smallwhale.org/articles/guilt-law

Write what each word means, using the article.

Do not copy the article. Write two things you learned, the way you would explain them to a friend.

Answers below are taken from the article’s stored facts, so they match what the student read.

1. What does it mean when someone is found guilty in court?It means a judge or jury has looked at all the evidence and decided that the person did the crime that the law says is wrong. The court says the person is responsible for that crime.
2. How does a judge or jury decide if someone is guilty?They listen to the evidence and hear the arguments from the police and the defense. The jury checks if the evidence shows the crime happened, and the judge tells them what the law says.

Mens Rea: The mental state or intent required for a crime to have been committed (the 'guilty mind').
Actus Reus: The physical act or conduct that constitutes a crime (the 'guilty act').
Beyond a Reasonable Doubt: The high standard of proof required in criminal cases for a guilty verdict.