scienter

scienter definition - legal

n

Latin

  1. Knowingly.
  2. A knowledge beforehand of the consequences of an action or failure to act that makes a person legally responsible for those consequences. Such advance knowledge may make the person subject to civil or criminal punishment.
  3. An intention to deceive or defraud (usually applied to stock fraud). See also knowing and mens rea.

Webster's New World Law Dictionary Copyright © 2006 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Hoboken, New Jersey.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

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