Which of the following best describes “criminal negligence”?

The concept of "criminal negligence" is best captured by the definition of failing to perceive a substantial risk. In legal terms, criminal negligence refers to a situation where an individual does not exercise the level of care that a reasonable person would in a similar situation, thereby failing to recognize the significant risks that their actions pose to others. This lack of awareness can lead to harm, even if there was no intent to cause it.

In this context, the failure to perceive a substantial risk emphasizes the subjective and objective aspects of negligence. The subjective aspect involves the individual's lack of awareness, while the objective aspect considers what a reasonable person would have recognized under similar circumstances. This standard ensures that individuals are held accountable for their actions when they neglect to act in a safe and responsible manner, thus causing unintended harm.

The other options don't accurately reflect the definition of criminal negligence. Intentionally harming another pertains to intentional wrongdoing, acting out of emotion may explain an individual's state of mind but does not constitute negligence, and executing acts under duress involves coercion rather than a lack of awareness or care, which is central to understanding criminal negligence.