Elements or component of crime may be defined as the parts of the crime which should be proved by the prosecution (beyond a reasonable doubt) against the defendant.
Consider an example of robbery (crime). In this case, the prosecution should prove:
- that the person had an intent of carrying away or taking the property of another person;
- by fear or force;
- in a way that the owner of the property is completely deprived of it.
Each element of the crime listed above must be proved in court.