What is an example of criminal negligence?

Criminal negligence refers to a situation where a person fails to be aware of a substantial and unjustifiable risk that a reasonable person would recognize, and this failure results in harm or injury to another person. In the context of the provided scenario, texting while driving signifies a conscious choice that significantly increases the risk of an accident, illustrating a severe lack of regard for the safety of others on the road.

This example aligns closely with the definition of criminal negligence because it demonstrates a blatant disregard for a recognized risk, resulting in dire consequences—such as a fatal crash. The act of texting while driving is not only illegal in many jurisdictions, but it also reflects a gross deviation from a standard of care that a reasonable driver would observe, making it a clear case of criminal negligence.

The other options illustrate different types of conduct, but they do not capture the essence of criminal negligence in the same way. Driving recklessly may imply conscious disregard for safety but typically involves behavior that is overtly aggressive or erratic, rather than the passive failure to recognize risk. Stealing money involves intentional wrongdoing (theft) rather than negligence. Making threats indicates intent to harm but does not demonstrate a failure to recognize substantial and unjustifiable risks. Thus, the act of texting while