Shoplifting, Larceny, Robbery, Theft I need help on a paper

[bartchris19]

I am writing a paper, and I need some information on motive. What is motive? What difference does motive make? Anything about motive and intent would be fantastic.

Thanks

 

[lwickham]

need help


To my knowledge a 'motive' is the reason for doing a crime.
i.e. I do a robbery and my motive is I need power.The reason I am doing the crime is for money for power so I have a 'motive.'

 

[Michael Wechsler]

I'm not sure "motive" makes a difference as does "mens rea" which means "a guilty mind" -- which I think you are talking about. In order to be guilty of a crime, one must have the required "state of mind" be it intentional, such as murder statutes, or "reckless disregard" when the act was reckless but there wasn't specific intent to carry out the resulting crime.