Scienter
The mental element of fraud requiring knowledge of falsity or reckless disregard for the truth of the representation.
Encyclopedia entry: Scienter
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scienter
Scienter is a legal term that refers to the intent or knowledge of wrongdoing. It is a mental state that indicates that a person acted with knowledge of the illegality or with reckless disregard for the truth. Scienter is often required to establish liability in fraud cases and other legal contexts where intent is a crucial element .
[Last reviewed in June of 2024 by the Wex Definitions Team
]
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Encyclopedia content from Cornell LII Wex (CC-BY-NC-SA 2.5).
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This is legal information, not legal advice. Laws vary by jurisdiction and change frequently. Always verify current law with official sources and consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction for advice on your specific situation.