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

20086 Views

See similar Law A Level tutors

Related Law A Level answers

All answers ▸

Critically assess the mens rea requirements for the offence of Murder


What does 'Novus Actus Intervenien' mean in causation?How does it apply?


What are the elements of common assault in Criminal Law?


Is the 'but for' test for causation in the law of tort the only appropriate or applicable test?


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:

© 2026 by IXL Learning