What does criminal negligence entail in legal terms?

Criminal negligence fundamentally involves a failure to be aware of a substantial and unjustifiable risk that constitutes a deviation from the standard of care that a reasonable person would observe in that situation. In this context, stating that the actor ought to be aware of substantial risks encapsulates the essence of criminal negligence, as it recognizes that while the person may not have acted with intent to cause harm, there is a responsibility to recognize and avoid substantial risks that could lead to harmful outcomes.

This concept is particularly critical in legal settings, where the threshold for criminal negligence is more than mere carelessness; it requires a serious lapse in judgment that demonstrates a disregard for human life or safety. Therefore, the focus on what the actor "ought to be aware of" aligns with the legal principle that individuals are held accountable for failing to recognize significant and avoidable dangers, thereby ensuring a standard of societal responsibility.

In contrast, the other options do not accurately encompass the definition of criminal negligence. Merely being unaware of significant risks, consciously disregarding minor risks, or having an intent to harm does not align with the requirement of recognizing substantial risks, which is central to establishing criminal negligence in legal terms.