In understanding culpable mental states, what does "intentionally" mean?

The term "intentionally" in the context of culpable mental states refers to a person's conscious desire for certain consequences to arise from their actions. This means that an individual acts with purpose and specifically aims to achieve a particular result, fully aware of the implications of their behavior.

When someone acts "intentionally," they are actively seeking the outcome of their decisions—this could involve taking deliberate steps to bring about a desired effect. In legal terms, intentional acts demonstrate a higher degree of culpability, as the individual possesses knowledge and intention regarding the potential consequences of their actions. This understanding is key in distinguishing between different levels of culpability and assessing the nature of the person's actions in a legal framework.

The other choices do not align with the definition of "intentionally." For instance, ignoring potential consequences suggests a level of negligence rather than intentionality, and being unaware of consequences implies a lack of knowledge or intent. Therefore, the idea of "desiring the consequences of actions" best captures the essence of acting intentionally.