What does criminal negligence refer to?

Criminal negligence is defined as a serious failure to be aware of a substantial and unjustifiable risk that constitutes a gross deviation from the standard of care that a reasonable person would exercise in the same situation. This concept embodies a reckless disregard for the safety of others, highlighting that the individual's actions can lead to significant harm or potential danger to others. In this context, the correct answer underscores that criminal negligence inherently involves a lack of concern for the well-being of others, distinguishing it from mere accidents or harmless oversights. The failure to recognize dangerous situations or to take appropriate precautions is central to the definition of criminal negligence.

The other options each present concepts that do not align with the legal understanding of criminal negligence. A willful act of harm typically characterizes intentional crimes rather than negligence. Negligence causing property damage pertains to civil liability rather than criminal conduct. A non-criminal act does not meet the threshold for criminal negligence, as negligence inherently implies some degree of potential harm or risk to others, which is absent in non-criminal acts. Thus, the essence of criminal negligence lies in the individual's reckless behavior and disregard for safety, making it a more serious concern in legal contexts.