Which of the following statements best describes the term 'criminal negligence'?

Criminal negligence is defined as the failure to be aware of a substantial and unjustifiable risk that results in harm or injury. This concept emphasizes that the individual did not intend to cause harm but acted with a lack of appropriate caution under the circumstances. In many jurisdictions, this lack of awareness constitutes a breach of a duty of care owed to others, which can lead to criminal liability if that negligence results in significant consequences.

The focus here is on the individual's failure to recognize potentially harmful situations, which distinguishes it from other states of mind that involve intent or willful disregard for the law. The critical element in criminal negligence is the failure to perceive risks that are substantial and unjustifiable, demonstrating a gross deviation from the standard of care that a reasonable person would exercise in a similar situation. This is what aligns perfectly with the definition of criminal negligence.