intentional

Legal TermLegal glossary term

Legal Definition

Intentional refers to a deliberate action taken by a party, signifying a conscious decision to perform an act or achieve a specific result. In a legal context, it denotes the precise execution of a will or intent, often serving as the foundation for establishing liability or contractual obligations.

Plain-English Translation

It means choosing to do something on purpose, like deciding to hit a ball or decide to break a rule. In law, it means someone *decided* to act in a certain way, rather than just accidentally doing it.

Context in Contracts

It matters because intentional acts form the basis for determining liability, establishing breach of contract claims, or defining the scope of duties owed by one party to another under a legal framework.

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01

Intentional breach of a contract where one party deliberately fails to perform a duty.

02

Intentional tort where a person deliberately acts to cause harm.

Document context

How intentional shows up in legal documents

What is it?

A deliberate action taken by one party, signifying the conscious decision to perform an act or achieve a specific result, often involving a clear intent to succeed or fail in a legal context.

Why does it matter?

It matters because intentional acts form the basis for determining liability, establishing breach of contract claims, or defining the scope of duties owed by one party to another under a legal framework.

When does it matter?

When an action is performed with the specific purpose of achieving a desired outcome, often in tort law or contract law where intent dictates whether an act was intentional or negligent.

Where is it usually seen?

In legal documents such as pleadings, claims for damages, and contractual clauses where the deliberate nature of the action is crucial to proving fault or establishing a clear obligation.

Who is affected?

The parties involved in a dispute, including plaintiffs, defendants, or regulatory bodies, who must demonstrate that their actions were intentional rather than accidental.

How does it work?

It works by demonstrating that the actor chose to act; for instance, proving that a defendant intentionally breached a contract or that a plaintiff intentionally committed an act of negligence.

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Wikipedia

Intention

An intention is a mental state in which a person commits themselves to a course of action. Having the plan to visit the zoo tomorrow is an example of an intention. The action plan is the content of the intention while the commitment is the attitude towards...

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Disclaimer: We do not provide legal advice. We translate legal language into plain English and help you prepare for a conversation with a lawyer.