What describes General Intent?

• A. Intentionally disregards risk
• B. A desire to achieve a specific result
• C. Generally aware of the factors constituting the crime, no need to intend the specific result
• D. Awareness of risk but no intent

Answer: (C)

General Intent focuses on doing the act itself, not on achieving a particular result. The person intends to perform the prohibited conduct and is aware that the act is wrongful, but they do not need to intend the specific outcome that the law bans. This is why the description fits: the offender is generally aware of what constitutes the crime (the elements of the act) and the required outcome does not have to be the intended result. For example, in many offenses like battery, the essential idea is the intent to touch or make contact, not the intent to cause a specific injury. This contrasts with specific intent crimes, which require proving an intent to achieve a particular result beyond the act itself.