Under the Model Penal Code definitions, the state of mind of a person who knows to a substantial certainty that a certain outcome would follow from his or her act, even if the person did not intend or desire it, is

• A. Purposely
• B. Recklessly
• C. Knowingly
• D. Negligently

Answer: (C)

Knowingly reflects being aware that the result is practically certain to follow from your act, even if you don’t intend or desire it. The description here matches that standard precisely: you know, to a substantial certainty, that the outcome will occur because of your conduct. Purposely would require an objective to bring about the result, which isn’t stated. Recklessly involves a substantial risk of the outcome, not certainty. Negligently involves a failure to perceive a substantial and unjustifiable risk. So the best fit is knowingly. For example, if someone acts with the knowledge that death is virtually certain to follow, they’re acting knowingly.