In South Dakota, which of the following is essential for an act to qualify as a crime?

For an act to qualify as a crime in South Dakota, it is essential that there is an intent to commit the act. This concept is rooted in the principle of "mens rea," or the mental state of the individual, which is a fundamental aspect of criminal law. Without the intent, an act may not fulfill the legal definition of a crime, as criminal liability typically requires both the act (actus reus) and the intent (mens rea).

The other options do not reflect the necessary elements of a crime. Witnessing an act by law enforcement is not a prerequisite for it to be classified as a crime; rather, law enforcement may investigate and enforce the law after a crime has been reported or discovered. Furthermore, not all crimes are violent; many can be property-related, regulatory, or white-collar offenses. Lastly, judicial approval is not required for an act to be classified as a crime; rather, laws are established by statutes, and it is the violation of those statutes that constitutes a crime.