Intent - Definition

Intent in law is the planning and desire to perform an act.

In criminal law, the requirements to prove intent consist of showing mens rea (mental state) and actus reus ("guilty mind").

The requirements for the proof of intent in tort law are generally simpler than criminal law. Knowledge of the repercussions of the act is often not necessary. It is sometimes only a matter of showing that there was desire to perform an act.

See also

Transferred intent

Intent - Example Usage