Question

intent and motive are sometimes thought of as being one and the same. however, the law contains a clear distinction between the two. intent is the mental purpose or design to commit a specific act, whereas motive is the cause, inducement, or reason an act is committed. intent is an essential element of many crimes and must be proved beyond a reasonable doubt when required. motive is seldom made an essential element required for a criminal conviction. however, motive evidence can be used by the prosecution as an aid in obtaining a conviction or to rebut a defense offered by a defendant. earlier this morning, a woman was hit by a bicyclist and left for dead while jogging in an \off - the - beaten - path\ area of central park in new york city. although there were no witnesses at the early hour during which the offense took place, it is obvious from the crime scene that the cyclist was traveling at a high rate of speed. you were the first officer responding to the call, which was made by another jogger from his cell phone. your first reaction is one of disbelief that someone could have left this woman in the condition she was in after taking the serious blow to the body that she sustained. lets review a few concepts before you make a decision about this scene. ____ is the essential element of many crimes and must be proved beyond a reasonable doubt when required. guilt liability motive intent

Explanation:

The text clearly states that intent is an essential element of many crimes and must be proved beyond a reasonable doubt when required.

Answer:

D. intent