reckless

reckless

adj. in both negligence and criminal cases, careless to the point of being heedless of the consequences ("grossly" negligent). Most commonly this refers to the traffic misdemeanor "reckless driving." It can also refer to use of firearms (shooting a gun in public place), explosives, or heavy equipment. (See: negligent, careless, wet reckless)

Copyright © 1981-2005 by Gerald N. Hill and Kathleen T. Hill. All Right reserved.

reckless

having or showing gross negligence or conduct without any thought as to the consequences. In civil cases, as negligence itself is usually actionable, seeking recklessness is perhaps to over-egg the pudding. In criminal matters, negligence is seldom sufficient and intention is the norm. So reckless conduct is always difficult in criminal matters. That said most systems have found it a place, either as equiparating it to intention for some crimes or often as a separate crime a notch below the more serious offence.

Collins Dictionary of Law © W.J. Stewart, 2006