Mens rea (/ ˈmɛnz ˈriːə /; Law Latin for "guilty mind '') is the mental element of a person 's intention to commit a crime; or knowledge that one 's action or lack of action would cause a crime to be committed. It is a necessary element of many crimes.
​common law false pretenses mens rea requires the purpose or specific intent to
commit a crime; or knowledge that one 's action or lack of action would cause a crime to be committed