Which of the following describes actus reus?

Actus reus refers specifically to the "guilty act" in the context of criminal law. It is a fundamental concept that describes the physical act or conduct that constitutes a criminal offense. This can include not only actions taken by an individual but also omissions when there is a legal duty to act. Understanding actus reus is crucial because it forms one half of the essential elements required to prove most crimes, the other half being mens rea, which relates to the mental state or intention behind the act.

The emphasis on the physical act is vital; without a clear actus reus, there can be no crime, regardless of the intentions or thoughts of the individual. Thus, recognizing the importance of this element is key to grasping elements of culpability in various offenses.