INTENT

1. In criminal law and the law of evidence. Purpose; formulated design; a resolve to do or forbear a particular act; aim; determination. In its literal sense, the stretching of the mind or will towards a particular object”Intent” expresses mental action at its most advanced point, or as it actually accompanies an outward, corporal act which has been determined on. Intent shows the presence of will in the act which consummates a crime. It is the exercise of intelligent will, the mind being fully aware of the nature and consequences of the act which is about to be done, and with such knowledge, and with full liberty of action, willing and electing to do it. Burrill, Circ. Ev. 284, and notes. General intent. An intention, purposet or design, either without specific plan or particular object, or without reference to such plan or object 2. Meaning; purpose; signification; intendment; applied to words or language. See CERTAINTY. Common intent. The natural sense given to words.