Lesson Plan

• Identify each element of a crime (actus reus, mens rea, concurrence, causation, strict liability).
• Explain how actus reus and mens rea must coincide for criminal liability.
• Distinguish between the different levels of mens rea and give real‑world examples.
• Analyse a burglary scenario to apply the five elements.
• Evaluate when strict liability offences arise and why they differ.

• Projector and screen
• PowerPoint slides with diagrams
• Handout containing the element flowchart
• Worksheet with mens‑rea level table
• Burglary case study sheet
• Whiteboard and markers
• Sticky notes for exit tickets

Begin with a recent news headline about a high‑profile burglary to spark interest. Ask students what they already know about what makes an act a crime and note their ideas. Explain that today they will master the five legal elements and will be able to spot them in any offence.

1. Do‑now (5'): Students list three crimes and discuss the mental state required for each (quick check).
2. Mini‑lecture (10'): Present the five elements using slides and the flowchart handout.
3. Paired activity (12'): Complete the mens‑rea table for a set of offences (apply knowledge).
4. Case analysis (15'): Work through the burglary example, identifying actus reus, mens rea, concurrence, causation and any strict‑liability issues (analyse).
5. Whole‑class debrief (8'): Summarise key points, clarify misconceptions, and answer questions (evaluate).
6. Exit ticket (5'): Write one element and an example on a sticky note for the teacher to collect (recall).

Recap the five elements and how they interrelate, highlighting the burglary case as a concrete illustration. Collect exit tickets to gauge immediate understanding. For homework, assign the textbook chapter on criminal liability and ask students to prepare a one‑page summary of any two offences, noting which elements are required.