Which term refers to a subject's capacity for carrying out an intention to cause death or great bodily harm?

• A. Opportunity
• B. Intent
• C. Capability
• D. Threat

Answer: (A)

The key idea is distinguishing a person’s ability to act from their mental decision, and from being in a position to act. The term that captures whether someone actually has the power, means, or capacity to carry out an intended harm is capability. It focuses on the real-world feasibility of turning a plan into action—whether the person has the tools, skills, or circumstances to execute the act. Intent is the decision to commit the harm, but without capability, that decision can’t be carried out. Opportunity means being in the right place at the right time to do it, and threat is simply a communicated warning or promise of harm, not the person’s actual ability to commit it. So capability best describes the subject’s capacity to carry out the intention to cause death or great bodily harm.