Which type of intent refers to an intention to achieve a specific result?

Specific intent is a type of intent that is focused on achieving a particular outcome or result in a criminal act. When a person acts with specific intent, they not only intend to engage in the conduct but also aim for a specific consequence from that action. For instance, if someone sets out to steal with the goal of permanently depriving the owner of their property, they are acting with specific intent to achieve that result.

This distinguishes it from general intent, where the individual only needs to have intended to perform the act itself, without any requirement to intend the outcome. Specific intent is often necessary for certain crimes, such as murder, where the perpetrator must demonstrate intention not only to kill but to do so deliberately.

In contrast, strict liability offenses do not require proof of intent at all; the mere act itself can be enough for liability. Whereas malicious intent is often associated with actions taken with a wrongful purpose or a disregard for the consequences of one’s actions, it does not necessarily imply the aim of achieving a specific result as required by specific intent. Therefore, in the context of legal definitions, specific intent is the appropriate term for the intention to achieve a specific result.