The prosecutor must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the defendant committed a criminal act with the required mental state.

Question

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In criminal law, the prosecutor must establish both the actus reus (the criminal act) and the mens rea (the intent or mental state) beyond a reasonable doubt to secure a conviction. This standard ensures that there is a high level of certainty that the defendant is guilty of the crime charged.

The Prosecutor Must Prove Beyond a Reasonable Doubt That the Defendant