Criminal Law

Intent

At common law, a person "intentionally" causes the social harm offense if:

  1. it is his desire to cause the social harm (like purposely); or
  2. he acts with knowledge that the social harm is virtually certain to occur as a result of his conduct (like knowingly).
Specific Intent

Specific intent means that the act was committed with the intent or desire to bring about the specific result.

Specific intent is required in any offense which requires specific mens rea requirements above and beyond general intent with respect to mens rea.