What does the contemporaneity rule state in criminal law?

The contemporaneity rule in criminal law asserts that the actus reus (the physical act of the crime) and mens rea (the mental intention to commit the crime) must occur simultaneously for a defendant to be found guilty. This principle ensures that a person can only be held criminally liable if they have both committed the offense and possessed the requisite intention at the same time. The coherence of these two elements is vital to establish that the act was committed with intention, reflecting the fundamental idea that guilt requires both a wrongful act and a guilty state of mind occurring together.

In aiming for a just outcome, the contemporaneity rule serves as a safeguard against individuals being punished for actions they may have committed without the necessary intent or mental state at the time of the act. This understanding is crucial in various types of offenses, especially in cases where intent is a significant factor in determining the nature of the crime.