In criminal law, what is the term for 'criminal cause'?

The term 'criminal cause' in criminal law refers to the concept of "corpus delicti." This legal term literally translates to "body of the crime" and encompasses the essential elements required to establish that a crime has occurred. To prove corpus delicti, the prosecution must demonstrate that a specific crime has indeed taken place, which typically includes showing that a prohibited act occurred and that the act was done by someone with criminal intent or culpability.

Understanding corpus delicti is crucial in criminal cases, as it provides the foundational proof necessary for establishing that a crime has been committed, irrespective of who actually committed it. This principle helps to prevent wrongful convictions based solely on confessions or circumstantial evidence.

The other concepts listed relate to different aspects of criminal law. Mens rea pertains to the mental state or intent of an individual when committing a crime; actus reus refers to the physical act or conduct that constitutes a criminal offense; and exculpatory evidence involves any evidence that may prove a defendant's innocence. While these terms are all important in the criminal justice system, corpus delicti specifically addresses the essential fact of a crime having been committed.