In a legal framework, what does 'actus reus' refer to?

Actus reus refers to the physical act or conduct that constitutes a criminal offense. It is one of the essential elements of a crime, alongside mens rea, which pertains to the mental state or intent behind the act. The concept of actus reus encompasses not only actions that are performed but also omissions where there is a legal duty to act.

For example, if someone steals, the act of taking another person's property without their consent is the actus reus of theft. This component of a crime is crucial because the law generally requires a physical act to be present in order to establish criminal liability.

In contrast, the other options focus on different aspects of criminal law. The mental state of the defendant is encapsulated within the mens rea, while the intention behind the crime also pertains to mens rea and isn't classified as actus reus. The responsibility of the victim is unrelated to the elements that constitute a crime and does not fit within the definitions of actus reus or mens rea. Therefore, acknowledging that actus reus specifically defines the physical component distinguishes it from the other considerations outlined in the question.