What does it mean to act recklessly?

• A. A person acts recklessly when they fail to perceive a substantial and unjustifiable risk that a result will occur.
• B. A person acts recklessly only when they intend to cause harm.
• C. A person acts recklessly when they are certain of the risk but proceed anyway.
• D. A person acts recklessly when they follow orders to commit a crime.

Answer: (A)

Recklessness is about a person acting with a disregard for a substantial and unjustifiable risk that a harmful result will occur. They don’t need to intend the outcome, but they proceed anyway in the face of that risk.

The statement that a person acts recklessly when they fail to perceive a substantial and unjustifiable risk captures this idea: the risk is real and significant, and the failure to recognize it still reflects a culpable attitude toward risk, leading to punishment for reckless conduct.

Intending to cause harm describes purposeful or intentional wrongdoing, not recklessness. Being certain of the risk and proceeding reflects a stronger knowledge state—more like knowingly or purposefully taking the risk. Following orders to commit a crime points to liability for participation or complicity, not recklessness on the actor’s own volitional disregard.