Scienter

“Scienter” is a term used in law, derived from Latin, and it means “knowingly” or “conscious.” It refers to the knowledge or intent of a person who has committed an unlawful or wrongful act. This term is generally used in the context of criminal law or securities law to establish that the individual had knowledge of the wrongful nature of their actions, or that they acted with the intent to deceive or defraud someone. Establishing scienter is crucial in many legal cases, especially those related to fraud or other intentional wrongdoing, as it helps determine the individual’s culpability and the appropriate legal consequences.