What does it mean when a person is guilty of criminal negligence?

When a person is guilty of criminal negligence, it signifies that they failed to perceive a substantial and unjustifiable risk that their actions could lead to harm. This type of negligence goes beyond ordinary carelessness; it reflects a severe deviation from the standard of care that a reasonable person would exercise in similar circumstances. In this context, the individual did not have the intent to harm but was nonetheless responsible for their actions because their lack of awareness of the risk resulted in harm to others. This concept is fundamental in criminal law, as it distinguishes between those who consciously choose to act and those whose actions, although not malicious, have nevertheless caused significant negative outcomes due to a severe lack of awareness or attention to potential dangers.