What does 'Knowing' require?

• A. The defendant acted with intent
• B. The defendant acted with knowledge of the circumstances
• C. The defendant had an awareness of the circumstances
• D. The defendant acted negligently

Answer: (C)

Knowingly means the person is aware of the circumstances surrounding the act. This mental state doesn't require a purposeful aim to achieve a specific result, nor does it hinge on negligent conduct. It rests on being aware that the facts exist and that the conduct involves those circumstances. That is why an awareness of the circumstances best captures what “knowing” requires. The other options describe different mental states—intent (purposeful motive) and negligence (failure to exercise reasonable care)—which are not the definition of knowing.