Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

New findings may challenge traditional legal concepts such as mens rea, the "guilty mind" required to establish intent.

From Science Daily • Feb. 1, 2026

The latter, known as mens rea, is usually missing when dementia patients violate the law.

From Scientific American • Aug. 17, 2023

Chief Justice John G. Roberts explained in the Opinion of the Court that they did not prove mens rea, or the state of a "guilty mind" required for convictions in certain types of crimes.

From Salon • Nov. 2, 2020

What is mens rea in criminal law and why do we have it?

From Slate • Apr. 30, 2020

"We receive a shock of surprise when we meet with a maxim which has troubled our modern lawyers, namely, Reum nonfacit nisi mens rea, in the middle of the Leges Henrici."

From The Emancipation of Massachusetts by Adams, Brooks