Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) Practice Exam

Which term is defined as purposely doing what the law declares to be a crime?

1. Malice

2. Intent

3. Purposeful action

4. Criminal behavior

The correct answer is: Intent

The term that is defined as purposely doing what the law declares to be a crime is intent. Intent refers to a person's mental state and determination to engage in specific conduct leading to criminal actions. It emphasizes that the individual had the resolve and purpose to commit the act that is defined as a crime by law. Understanding intent is crucial in the legal system as it can differentiate between degrees of crimes and establish whether a person acted with the necessary mental state, such as premeditation or recklessness. While malice refers to an intention to harm others or to do something that is wrongful, and criminal behavior encompasses any act that violates laws and is punishable by the legal system, both concepts are broader. Malice indicates an evil intent rather than the general decision or resolution to commit a crime that intent covers. Purposeful action is a more general term that might apply to various contexts but does not specifically encapsulate the legal understanding of committing a crime with intentionality. Therefore, intent is the most accurate term to describe the deliberate decision to commit an act that the law identifies as a crime.