Willful Blindness
/ˈwɪlfəl ˈblaɪndnəs/
Definitions
- (n.) A legal concept where a person deliberately avoids acquiring knowledge of facts to escape liability.
The defendant was found guilty due to willful blindness to the illegal activities.
Related terms
See also
Commentary
Willful blindness is often treated as equivalent to actual knowledge in criminal and tort law, emphasizing deliberate ignorance rather than mere negligence.
This glossary is for general informational and educational purposes only. Definitions are jurisdiction-agnostic but reflect terminology and concepts primarily drawn from English and American legal traditions. Nothing herein constitutes legal advice or creates a lawyer-client relationship. Users should consult qualified counsel for advice on specific matters or jurisdictions.