Simple English definitions for legal terms
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Definition: Motive is the reason why someone may have done something wrong, like committing a crime. It's like the feeling or desire that made them do it. Sometimes, it can help prove that someone did something bad, especially if they say they didn't do it. But, it's not always needed to prove someone did something wrong. Other evidence can be enough.
Definition: In a legal context, motive refers to the reason why a person may have committed a crime. It is the driving force or desire that leads to criminal action on the part of the accused. Motive can be used in combination with other evidence to prove that a person committed a crime, especially if the suspected perpetrator denies committing the crime.
Example: In the case of State v. Friend, Clarence Friend was convicted of first-degree assault after engaging in a high-speed vehicular chase with a police officer, firing a handgun at the officer, and fleeing. The prosecution introduced evidence that Friend had escaped from a halfway house, was involved in the burglary of a liquor store, and had a warrant out for his arrest. This was put forth as proof of Friend’s motive in fleeing from and shooting at the police officer.
Explanation: The example illustrates how motive can be used as evidence to prove that a person committed a crime. In this case, the prosecution argued that Friend had a motive to flee and shoot at the police officer because he had a history of criminal activity and was trying to avoid getting caught.
It is important to note that motive is not always necessary to prove a crime, as other evidence may be sufficient. Additionally, even when there is reasonable motive for why a person would have committed a crime, a motive alone is not sufficient, absent some other evidence as to why a particular defendant is guilty.