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Simple English definitions for legal terms
actual knowledge
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A quick definition of actual knowledge:
Actual knowledge is when someone is aware of a fact or circumstance and has no doubt that it exists. It is different from intent, which means someone plans for a certain result to happen, and from constructive knowledge, which means someone should have known about something if they were being careful. Actual knowledge can be direct and clear, or it can be implied if someone should have known more information. It is important in many areas of law, including criminal law and bankruptcy.
A more thorough explanation:
Definition: Actual knowledge is a state of mind in which a person has no substantial doubt about the existence of a fact or circumstance. It is direct and clear knowledge, as distinguished from constructive knowledge.
Examples:
- If a person witnesses an accident, they have actual knowledge of the injury.
- If a plaintiff knows about their injury, they have actual knowledge of it.
- If a person knows that a statement they are making is untrue, they have actual knowledge of the falsehood.
These examples illustrate that actual knowledge is a person's direct and clear awareness of a fact or circumstance. It is not based on assumptions or inferences, but rather on firsthand observation or experience.