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Simple English definitions for legal terms
Specific intent
Read a random definition: National Security Agency
A quick definition of Specific intent:
Specific intent means that someone intended to do something and wanted the outcome that resulted from their actions. This is important in both civil and criminal cases, as it may need to be proven that the person had a specific intent to commit the offense. It is different from general intent and strict liability.
A more thorough explanation:
Specific intent refers to the actual intention of a person to perform a particular act, along with a desire for the consequences that result from that act. This type of intent is important in both criminal and civil cases, where the plaintiff or prosecutor must prove that the defendant acted with specific intent.
For example, if someone is charged with burglary, the prosecutor must prove that the defendant entered a building with the specific intent to commit a crime inside, such as theft. In this case, the defendant had a clear intention to commit a specific crime, and this intention must be proven in court.
Another example of specific intent is in the case of fraud. In order to prove fraud, the plaintiff must show that the defendant had a specific intent to deceive or mislead the victim, and that the victim relied on this deception to their detriment.
Overall, specific intent is an important concept in both criminal and civil law, as it helps to establish the intention of the defendant and their responsibility for their actions.