Intent
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Intent in law is the planning and desire to perform an act, to fail to do so (i.e. an omission) or to achieve a state of affairs.

In criminal law, for a given actus reus ("guilty act"), the required element to prove intent consists of showing mens rea (mental state, "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

• Intention (criminal)
• Letter and spirit of the law