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

James and Jennifer Crumbley were found guilty of involuntary manslaughter and sentenced to at least 10 years in prison for how their criminal negligence as parents contributed to their son Ethan, 14, killing four of his classmates in 2018.

From BBC

Criminal negligence occurs when more extreme actions result in more extreme harm.

From Slate

Legislatures have generally left the transformation of civil to criminal negligence vague.

From Slate

To prove criminal negligence in California, where Perry died, a prosecutor must show that the person accused knows that what they did created a particular grievous risk to the person they hurt.

From Slate