Which of the following is NOT one of the four culpable mental states?

• A. Reckless
• B. Intentional
• C. Criminal Negligence
• D. Negligence

Answer: (D)

Focus on how the law describes what someone is thinking or perceiving when they act. The four culpable mental states are described as purposeful or intentional actions, knowing that a result is practically certain, acting with reckless disregard for a known risk, and criminal negligence, which is a gross deviation from the standard of care because of a conscious disregard of risk. Negligence by itself, without specifying a particular mental stance toward the risk in the moment, is not one of these four states. It describes a failure to exercise reasonable care, not an intentional, knowing, or consciously reckless mindset. That’s why Negligence is the option that doesn’t fit with the four formal culpable mental states.