What does the Latin phrase "Actus Reus" refer to in legal terms?

The Latin phrase "Actus Reus" refers specifically to a criminal act or omission. In legal terminology, it is a fundamental concept that denotes the physical act involved in committing a crime. For an individual to be charged with a crime, it is generally necessary for them to have engaged in an act that infringes on the law, which may involve both voluntary actions and omissions when there is a legal duty to act.

In criminal law, "Actus Reus" combines with "Mens Rea," which means "guilty mind," to establish a criminal liability. This means that for many crimes, demonstrating that a person committed an act and had the intent or mental state to commit that act is crucial for prosecution.

The other choices pertain to different aspects of law. A defense strategy refers to the methods used by a defendant to contest charges in court. A type of civil remedy relates to legal compensation awarded in civil cases, and an appeal process involves challenging a court's decision or ruling. Thus, each of those options represents legal concepts that are distinct and do not accurately describe the legal meaning of "Actus Reus."