Criminal intent, or mens rea, is the mental state that accompanies a forbidden act. This differs from motive, which is something that causes a person to act. Motive is not a required element of a crim

Criminal intent, or mens rea, is the mental state that accompanies a forbidden act. This differs from motive, which is something that causes a person to act. Motive is not a required element of a crime. For what kind of crime is motive most likely to be important? How might the motive for a crime impact sentencing by a jury? Discuss cases you have heard or read about in the news where criminal intent and motive are important.