Define "criminal intent."

The concept of "criminal intent" refers specifically to the mental state of an individual when they plan or commit a crime. This mental state is crucial in distinguishing between various types of offenses, as it indicates the person's awareness and purpose behind their actions. In legal terms, establishing criminal intent is essential for determining the severity of a crime, as it takes into account whether the defendant acted with purpose, knowledge, recklessness, or negligence.

For instance, if someone deliberately plans to harm another person, they demonstrate a clear criminal intent. On the other hand, a person who causes harm accidentally does not have the same mental state associated with criminal intent, which is why the notion of intent is foundational in legal systems for prosecuting and classifying crimes.