What is the correct sequence of culpable mental states from most to least culpable?

What is the correct sequence of culpable mental states from most to least culpable?

• A. Intentionally, Knowingly, Recklessly, Criminal negligence
• B. Knowingly, Intentionally, Recklessly, Criminal negligence
• C. Intentionally, Recklessly, Knowingly, Criminal negligence
• D. Intentionally, Knowingly, Criminal negligence, Recklessly

Answer: (A)

Culpable mental states are ranked by how deliberate the actor is. Intentionally means acting with a conscious objective to bring about a result, which is the highest level of blame. Knowingly means the person is aware that the conduct will or is practically certain to cause the result. Recklessly involves a conscious disregard of a substantial and unjustified risk, without intending the result. Criminal negligence is the lowest, defined by a failure to perceive a substantial and unjustified risk that a reasonable person would have perceived. So the sequence from most to least culpable is: intentionally, knowingly, recklessly, criminal negligence. The other options mix these levels in incorrect orders, such as placing knowingly before intentionally or swapping recklessly and criminal negligence.

Culpable mental states are ranked by how deliberate the actor is. Intentionally means acting with a conscious objective to bring about a result, which is the highest level of blame. Knowingly means the person is aware that the conduct will or is practically certain to cause the result. Recklessly involves a conscious disregard of a substantial and unjustified risk, without intending the result. Criminal negligence is the lowest, defined by a failure to perceive a substantial and unjustified risk that a reasonable person would have perceived.

So the sequence from most to least culpable is: intentionally, knowingly, recklessly, criminal negligence. The other options mix these levels in incorrect orders, such as placing knowingly before intentionally or swapping recklessly and criminal negligence.