Literally means the body or substance of the crime. In law, the term refers to proof establishing that a crime has occurred; the necessary elements that constitute a crime is _____

• A. Corpus Delicti
• B. Mens Rea
• C. Actus Reus
• D. Motive

Answer: (A)

Corpus Delicti means the body of the crime—the proof that a crime occurred and the essential elements that constitute the offense. It requires independent evidence that the crime happened, not just a confession. Mens Rea is the mental element, Actus Reus is the physical act, and Motive is the reason behind the crime. Because the question asks for the term describing the proof establishing that a crime has occurred, the best fit is Corpus Delicti. For example, in a homicide case, evidence of a death together with unlawful killing demonstrates corpus delicti.