Which of the following best describes criminal negligence?

Criminal negligence is characterized by a failure to exercise a level of care that a reasonable person would in similar circumstances, resulting in harm to another individual. This option captures the essence of criminal negligence because it emphasizes the lack of action or proper care, which leads to an injury or damage.

It's important to note that criminal negligence doesn’t involve intent to harm, which distinguishes it from other forms of crime where intentional actions lead to injury. The focus is on the failure to act when there is a duty to do so and the harm that results from that omission. This definition aligns well with scenarios where a person's inaction poses a significant risk of harm to others.

In contrast, other options involve different elements of criminal behavior. A describes intentional actions that overlook the law, which is more aligned with willful misconduct rather than negligence. C pertains to deliberate actions meant to cause injury, which is indicative of intent rather than a negligent oversight. D refers to procedural negligence, which does not specifically address the failure of care leading to harm; rather, it focuses on failing to follow procedures, which may or may not result in criminal negligence. Thus, the choice reflecting a failure to act and its consequences accurately describes criminal negligence.