How is a person defined as acting knowingly?

A person is defined as acting knowingly when they are aware that their conduct is of a specific nature or that certain circumstances exist. This definition stems from the legal understanding of knowledge in criminal law, where an individual is said to act knowingly if they have actual awareness of the facts constituting the offense or if they are aware of a substantial certainty that those facts exist. Knowledge indicates a higher level of awareness than mere negligence or recklessness.

The focus on "awareness" is critical; it emphasizes that the individual recognizes the specific nature of their actions and understands the potential implications or circumstances surrounding them. This contrasts with other definitions that may imply a lack of awareness or indifference, which would not satisfy the criteria for acting knowingly.