Definition: Mens rea refers to the "guilty mind" or mental element of the crime, requiring either intention or recklessness.

Example: The Mohan (1976) case demonstrates how direct intention can be inferred from actions, similar to Sandra's deliberate harmful conduct.

Highlight: Sandra's jealousy and repeated violent acts demonstrate clear direct intention to cause harm.

Quote: "Sandra clearly intended to cause harm upon Talya. Her jealousy is expressed through her actions."

Vocabulary: Direct intention refers to when the defendant's intended outcome actually occurs.

Definition: Battery is defined by Lord Steyn as "unlawful application of force by the defendant upon the victim"

Example: The Thomas (1985) case established that even touching a victim's clothing can constitute battery, supporting the classification of Sandra's hair-pulling as battery.

Highlight: The causation element is proven through both factual ("but for") and legal tests, with Sandra's actions being the direct and substantial cause of Talya's injuries.

Quote: The R v Miller 1954 case defined actual bodily harm as "any hurt or injury calculated to interfere with the health or comfort of the victim"

Vocabulary: Occasioning refers to the causal link between the assault and resulting injury.