Model Penal Code Classifications and Examples
| Mens Rea Term | MPC Definition14 | Alternative Adjectives15 | State of Mind | Examples: |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Intentionally or purposefully | A person acts purposefully [with respect to a result] if it is his conscious object . . . to cause such a result | Decides to, desires that, wants to, chooses to | Subjective | A shoots B because A wants to kill B to obtain an inheritance from B |
| Knowingly | A person acts knowingly if he is aware that it is practically certain that his conduct will cause such a result | Aware that [the harm will occur], almost positive that, virtually certain, understands that | Subjective | A shoots B in the head because A wants to injure B but does not intend that B die |
| Recklessly | A person acts recklessly when he consciously disregards a substantial and unjustifiable risk that [will be the result of his conduct] | Realizes it is very likely [the harm might occur] but decides to act anyway; is conscious of the likelihood [of the harm] but simply doesn’t care | Subjective (Consciously) and Objective (Gross deviation standard of negligence) | A shoots B while playing Russian roulette with a one in six chance of killing B |
| Negligently | A person acts negligently when he should be aware of a substantial and unjustifiable risk that [will be the result of his conduct] | Carelessly, overlooks, without even noticing | Objective (Reasonable Person) | A shoots into a forest that is normally uninhabited but happens to shoot B |