A more thorough explanation:

Definition: Specific-intent defense is a claim made by a defendant in criminal law that they did not have the mental capacity to form the intent required to commit the crime they are accused of. This defense is often used when the defendant was intoxicated or suffering from a mental illness.

Example: John is accused of stealing a car. However, he claims that he was so drunk at the time that he did not have the mental capacity to form the intent to steal the car. He is using a specific-intent defense.

Explanation: In this example, John is claiming that he was too intoxicated to form the intent to steal the car. This means that he did not have the mental capacity to plan or purposefully take the car. If the court accepts his defense, he may be found not guilty of the crime.

Example: Sarah is accused of murder. However, she claims that she was suffering from a mental illness at the time and did not have the mental capacity to form the intent to kill. She is using a specific-intent defense.

Explanation: In this example, Sarah is claiming that her mental illness prevented her from forming the intent to kill. This means that she did not plan or purposefully take the life of another person. If the court accepts her defense, she may be found not guilty of the crime.