In law, motive refers to the reason or intention behind a person’s actions, particularly in the context of criminal proceedings. While motive may be relevant in certain cases, such as establishing a defendant’s state of mind or demonstrating a pattern of behaviour, it is not an essential element of a crime. In criminal law, prosecutors are not always required to prove motive to secure a conviction, as the focus is primarily on establishing the defendant’s culpability based on evidence of the act itself and the relevant legal elements of the offence. However, motive can be persuasive evidence when presented in court to help jurors understand the circumstances surrounding a crime and the defendant’s potential motivations.
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This glossary post was last updated: 29th March 2024.
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