What is the key difference between intent and negligence?

The key difference between intent and negligence lies in the nature of the individual's mindset and actions at the time of an incident. Intent involves a deliberate choice to engage in a specific action, where the individual aims to bring about a certain result. This means that the person intended to cause harm or committed a wrongful act with knowledge of the consequences.

On the other hand, negligence refers to a failure to exercise the care that a reasonably prudent person would under similar circumstances. In cases of negligence, there is no intention to cause harm; instead, harm results from careless actions or failures to act when there was a duty to do so. The focus in negligence is on what a reasonable person would have done in the same situation, highlighting a lack of awareness or foresight rather than a conscious decision to cause harm.

This distinction emphasizes that intent requires a conscious objective, while negligence hinges on a lack of attention to the standards of care expected in certain situations. The correct answer captures this fundamental difference effectively.