specific intent

Specific intent is a legal term referring to the actual intent to perform some act along with a desire for the consequences that result from that act. It implies that an individual not only intended to perform the act but also aimed to achieve a particular outcome or consequence through that act. In criminal law , specific intent crimes require proof that the defendant had a particular intention or goal when committing the offense . Examples of specific intent crimes include first-degree murder , where the intent is to cause the death of another person .

Depending on the offense alleged , both tort plaintiffs and criminal prosecutors may need to prove that the defendant acted with specific intent. This contrasts with general intent and strict liability .

[Last reviewed in June of 2024 by the Wex Definitions Team ]

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