What is the actus reus of murder?
The unlawful killing of a human being.
What is the mens rea of murder?
With malice aforethought express or implied.
What is the test for causation in fact?
“But for” the defendant’s actions, the result would not have occurred. (R v Pagett)
What is the test for causation in law?
Whether D’s actions were a ‘significant and operative’ cause of the result. (Smith/Cheshire)
What is Sir Edward Coke’s definition of murder?
The unlawful killing of a human being, under the queen’s peace, with malice aforethought express or implied.
Which cases tell us that either intent to kill or intent to cause GBH is suffice to mens rea for murder?
R v Vickers or R v Cunningham