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Vorsatz

intent, wilful act

noun FOR-zats Rare
People & Society Law

Also means

premeditation

Usage Note

Vorsatz is the opposite of Fahrlässigkeit in German criminal law; most serious offences require proof of intent. Bedingter Vorsatz (conditional intent) means accepting a harmful outcome as a foreseeable possibility.

Examples

"Die Staatsanwaltschaft musste den Vorsatz des Angeklagten beweisen."

Natural Translation

The prosecution had to prove the defendant's intent.

Literal Translation

The state-attorney had to the intent of the accused prove.

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