Which term refers to 'a desire to achieve a specific result'?

Which term refers to 'a desire to achieve a specific result'?

• A. General Intent
• B. Negligence
• C. Knowledge
• D. Specific Intent

Answer: (D)

Specific intent refers to a defendant’s desire to achieve a particular result. In criminal law, crimes that involve specific intent require more than just performing the act; they require an aim or purpose to bring about a defined outcome. This sets them apart from general intent offenses, where the focus is simply on performing the act itself, not on achieving a specific result. Negligence is about failing to act with reasonable care rather than any intentional outcome, and knowledge is about being aware of facts rather than having a planned outcome in mind. So the description “a desire to achieve a specific result” aligns with specific intent.

Specific intent refers to a defendant’s desire to achieve a particular result. In criminal law, crimes that involve specific intent require more than just performing the act; they require an aim or purpose to bring about a defined outcome. This sets them apart from general intent offenses, where the focus is simply on performing the act itself, not on achieving a specific result. Negligence is about failing to act with reasonable care rather than any intentional outcome, and knowledge is about being aware of facts rather than having a planned outcome in mind. So the description “a desire to achieve a specific result” aligns with specific intent.