5.4 Specific Intent is a type of legal intent that is used in cases of criminal law. It is a higher standard of intent than general intent, which requires a defendant to demonstrate that they were aware of the wrongfulness of their actions. In order to be found guilty in a criminal case, the prosecution must prove that the accused had a specific intent to commit the act in question. Specific intent can also be referred to as specific criminal intent. There are two types of specific intent: direct intent and oblique intent. Direct intent is when an individual acts with the purpose of achieving a certain outcome—for instance, when someone attempts to commit a burglary or assault with the intention of stealing or harming someone. Oblique intent is when an individual acts with knowledge that the outcome of their actions will likely result in a certain outcome, even if it is not their primary purpose—for instance, when someone recklessly drives a car and causes an accident that results in injury or death.
5.4 Specific Intent is a type of legal intent that is used in cases of criminal law. It is a higher standard of intent than general intent, which requires a defendant to demonstrate that they were aware of the wrongfulness of their actions. In order to be found guilty in a criminal case, the prosecution must prove that the accused had a specific intent to commit the act in question. Specific intent can also be referred to as specific criminal intent. There are two types of specific intent: direct intent and oblique intent. Direct intent is when an individual acts with the purpose of achieving a certain outcome—for instance, when someone attempts to commit a burglary or assault with the intention of stealing or harming someone. Oblique intent is when an individual acts with knowledge that the outcome of their actions will likely result in a certain outcome, even if it is not their primary purpose—for instance, when someone recklessly drives a car and causes an accident that results in injury or death.
