NY: Knowledge mapping?

NY: Knowledge mapping?

• A. ∆ is aware of or practically certain his conduct will cause a certain risk
• B. ∆ desires to achieve a specific result
• C. ∆ is generally aware of the factors constituting the crime
• D. ∆ is reckless regarding the risk

Answer: (A)

In New York, “knowingly” focuses on awareness of the result or the practically certain outcome of the conduct. When a defendant acts knowingly, he is aware that his conduct will cause a certain result, or is practically certain that it will occur—he does not have to intend the result, just be aware of it or that it’s virtually guaranteed. That makes the statement describing awareness that the conduct will cause a certain risk the best fit for knowledge mapping. Desiring a specific result is intent or purpose, not knowledge. Being generally aware of the factors that constitute the crime describes knowledge of the elements, not knowledge of the risk or outcome. Recklessness, by contrast, is about disregarding a known risk, not being aware that the risk will be caused.

In New York, “knowingly” focuses on awareness of the result or the practically certain outcome of the conduct. When a defendant acts knowingly, he is aware that his conduct will cause a certain result, or is practically certain that it will occur—he does not have to intend the result, just be aware of it or that it’s virtually guaranteed.

That makes the statement describing awareness that the conduct will cause a certain risk the best fit for knowledge mapping. Desiring a specific result is intent or purpose, not knowledge. Being generally aware of the factors that constitute the crime describes knowledge of the elements, not knowledge of the risk or outcome. Recklessness, by contrast, is about disregarding a known risk, not being aware that the risk will be caused.