In the context of criminal law, the voluntary act required for a crime is referred to as "Actus Reus." This term is Latin for "guilty act." Actus Reus represents the physical element of a crime, meaning that a person must have committed a voluntary act that is prohibited by law in order to be held criminally liable.
Examples of Actus Reus include actions such as stealing, driving under the influence, or causing harm to another person. It's important to note that Actus Reus does not include involuntary actions, such as reflex movements or acts done while unconscious.
In contrast, "Malice" refers to the mental state or intention behind a criminal act. It involves having the intent to commit a wrongful act without just cause or excuse. Malice is often a component of specific crimes, such as murder, where the prosecution must prove that the accused acted with malicious intent.
"Proximate Cause," on the other hand, is a legal concept related to causation in criminal law. It refers to the primary cause that sets in motion a sequence of events leading to a particular outcome. Proximate cause is important in determining legal responsibility for a crime or harm caused by an action.
Therefore, in the context of the question, the correct answer is:
b. Actus Reus
