General Intent

• Author: Jeffrey Lehman, Shirelle Phelps

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In CRIMINAL LAW and TORT LAW, a mental plan to do that which is forbidden by the law.

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Unlike offenses that require a SPECIFIC INTENT, it is not necessary that the accused intend the precise harm or result. It is sufficient if the person meant to do the act that caused the harm or result. For example, BATTERY is a general intent offense. If a defendant commits a battery that results in harm to the victim, it does not matter if the defendant did not intend the harm.