reckless

Legal Definition of reckless

Adjective

1. Characterized by the creation of a substantial and unjustifiable risk to the safety, lives, or rights of others and by a conscious and sometimes wanton and willful disregard for or indifference to that risk that is a gross deviation from the standard of care a reasonable person would exercise in like circumstances.

See also

• criminal recklessness

Definition of reckless

Etymology

Old English receleas

Adjective

reckless (comparative more reckless, superlative most reckless)

1. careless or heedless; headstrong or rash
2. indifferent to danger or the consequences

Derived terms

• recklessness