What does statute 939.24 define as Criminal Recklessness?

Statute 939.24 defines Criminal Recklessness as a situation where the actor creates an unreasonable and substantial risk of death or great bodily harm. This definition emphasizes the need for the risk to be both unreasonable and substantial, which distinguishes criminal recklessness from mere negligence or an awareness of risk that might still be deemed acceptable under certain circumstances.

When analyzing the concept of Criminal Recklessness, it is crucial to understand that the law seeks to penalize individuals who demonstrate a conscious disregard for the safety of others. By focusing on the severity and the unreasonableness of the risk, the statute captures more serious conduct that endangers others.

The other concepts mentioned do not meet the criteria outlined in the statute. The idea of being unaware of the risk implies a lack of conscious disregard and does not address the intentional risk creation necessary for recklessness. Creating a reasonable risk of harm does not align with the legal definition, as criminal recklessness requires the risk to be unreasonable. Lastly, acting in self-defense does not pertain to recklessness at all, since self-defense is a justification for actions taken in response to an immediate threat rather than an act that places others at risk. Therefore, the correct interpretation aligns solely with the criteria laid out in statute 939.