Modes of Culpability
(The Mental Element of Crime)
I. Model Penal Code1
Purpose Knowledge Recklessness Negligence
Offense Elements2
1. Conduct
attitude:
conscious object
awareness
[not defined]
[not defined]
probability:
2. Circumstance
attitude:
awareness, belief, hope
awareness
conscious disregard
(no awareness)*
probability:
substantial &
substantial &
unjustifiable risk**
unjustifiable risk***
3. Result
attitude:
conscious object
awareness
conscious disregard
(no awareness)*
probability:
practical certainty
substantial &
substantial &
unjustifiable risk**
unjustifiable risk***
Common Law3
Offenses4
(1)5
Intent Criminal Negligence
Specific General
Reckless Carelessness
Reckless Negligence
attitude:
malice aforethought awareness (scienter)
premeditation
malignant heart
malice
(2)6
Intent
Specific General
1 Model Penal Code § 2.02(2).
2 On the MPC’s element-analysis, as contrasted with the common law’s offense-analysis, of modes of culpability, see 1 Model
Penal Code and Commentaries comm. § 2.02, at 231-33 (1985).
* The absence of awareness gives r