Legal Definitions - Motive

Definition: In a legal context, motive refers to the reason why a person may have committed a crime. It is the driving force or desire that leads to criminal action on the part of the accused. Motive can be used in combination with other evidence to prove that a person committed a crime, especially if the suspected perpetrator denies committing the crime.

Example: In the case of State v. Friend, Clarence Friend was convicted of first-degree assault after engaging in a high-speed vehicular chase with a police officer, firing a handgun at the officer, and fleeing. The prosecution introduced evidence that Friend had escaped from a halfway house, was involved in the burglary of a liquor store, and had a warrant out for his arrest. This was put forth as proof of Friend’s motive in fleeing from and shooting at the police officer.

Explanation: The example illustrates how motive can be used as evidence to prove that a person committed a crime. In this case, the prosecution argued that Friend had a motive to flee and shoot at the police officer because he had a history of criminal activity and was trying to avoid getting caught.

It is important to note that motive is not always necessary to prove a crime, as other evidence may be sufficient. Additionally, even when there is reasonable motive for why a person would have committed a crime, a motive alone is not sufficient, absent some other evidence as to why a particular defendant is guilty.