criminal negligence

[ krim-uh-nl neg-li-juhns ]

noun

, Law.

1. an act or practice of negligence in which a person, disregarding what is reasonable to insure the care, safety, and protection of others, such as by leaving a loaded gun within reach of a child, is criminally liable for any consequential harm or death. Compare gross negligence ( def ).

Word History and Origins

Origin of criminal negligence¹

First recorded in 1685–95

Example Sentences

Marine Investigations Board Chair Jason Neubauer told NBC News on Monday the hearings aim to determine the extent of any criminal negligence or misconduct which may then be referred to the Justice Department.

From Salon

His employer is now under investigation for criminal negligence and manslaughter.

From BBC

The officials, including a former fire chief, received sentences of between 15 and 111 years for multiple counts of criminal negligence resulting in injury and loss of life.

From Seattle Times

Corrective Services New South Wales has maintained that the death was not suspicious, and an internal investigation found no criminal negligence.

From BBC

Ms. Gutierrez-Reed, 26, has been accused of criminal negligence in her handling of guns on the set of the western.

From New York Times