Which is an example of a general intent offense?

Which is an example of a general intent offense?

• A. Possession
• B. First-degree murder
• C. Burglary with intent to commit robbery
• D. Embezzlement

Answer: (A)

General intent offenses require proof only that the defendant intentionally performed the act, without needing to prove a further goal beyond that act. Possession fits this idea: the crime is simply having control of prohibited property, usually requiring that you knowingly possess it. No additional aim—like planning another crime or harming someone—is required. In contrast, the other scenarios involve specific intents: murder typically requires deliberate killing or premeditation; burglary with an intent to commit robbery requires the internal plan to commit another crime inside the building; embezzlement involves a specific purpose to defraud or deprive the owner. So possession is the clearest example of a general intent offense.

General intent offenses require proof only that the defendant intentionally performed the act, without needing to prove a further goal beyond that act. Possession fits this idea: the crime is simply having control of prohibited property, usually requiring that you knowingly possess it. No additional aim—like planning another crime or harming someone—is required.

In contrast, the other scenarios involve specific intents: murder typically requires deliberate killing or premeditation; burglary with an intent to commit robbery requires the internal plan to commit another crime inside the building; embezzlement involves a specific purpose to defraud or deprive the owner. So possession is the clearest example of a general intent offense.