What is 'intention' in the criminal law?

Where a criminal offence requires the defendant to have an intention to achieve a result, there are 2 different tests of intention:(1) Direct Intention, or(2) Oblique IntentionDirect IntentionThis is the ordinary mean of intention, as used in everyday language. For example, the defendant ('D') intends a result if he acts with the purpose of bringing it about. So, if D is trying to kill V and behaves as he does in order to kill V, there is clearly (direct) intention here. In an exam context, always look at direct intention first - oblique intent is rarely required. Consider oblique intent if there's no direct intention.Oblique IntentThis is where the result was not sought by D but the result is so closely bound with D's actiosn that D is said to have intended the result. The definition: If the result (e.g. the victim's death) was a virtual certainty of D's actions and D had foreseen that the result was virtually certain to occur, the jury can find oblique intention. 

WA
Answered by William A. Law tutor

19752 Views

See similar Law A Level tutors

Related Law A Level answers

All answers ▸

What are the policy reasons for imposing strict liability in vicarious liability cases?


Do I need Law A Level to study Law at University?


Write a critical analysis of the law on murder and voluntary manslaughter. Discuss any reforms that may be desirable.


Outline criticisms surrounding the current law on murder.


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2025 by IXL Learning