Mental states that determine the degree of guilt or culpability in criminal law are generally classified from highest (most worthy of blame or punishment) to lowest as: (1) intentional; (2) knowing; (3) reckless; and (4) criminal negligence.

A person acts with criminal negligence, or is criminally negligent, with respect to circumstances surrounding his conduct or the result of his conduct when he ought to be aware of a substantial and unjustifiable risk that the circumstances exist or the result will occur. The risk must be of such a nature and degree that the failure to perceive it constitutes a gross deviation from the standard of care that an ordinary person would exercise under all of the circumstances, as viewed from the accused person’s standpoint at the time of the alleged criminal negligence.

Criminal offenses or crimes often specify the culpable mental state the prosecution is required to prove to convict a defendant of the offense. These culpable mental states are generally defined in the relevant state or federal statutes—usually in the penal or criminal code.

In Alaska, the mental state of an individual plays a crucial role in determining their degree of guilt or culpability in criminal law. The mental states are ranked from most to least blameworthy as follows: intentional, knowing, reckless, and criminal negligence. A person is considered to have acted with criminal negligence when they fail to recognize a substantial and unjustifiable risk that their conduct may lead to certain circumstances or results. This risk must be so significant that not perceiving it would be a gross deviation from the standard of care an ordinary person would exercise in the same situation. Alaska's criminal statutes define these mental states, and for a conviction, the prosecution must prove that the defendant possessed the requisite culpable mental state as specified by the law for the particular offense charged.