Which of the following describes the mental state necessary for second-degree murder?

The mental state necessary for second-degree murder typically involves either intentionally causing great bodily harm to another person or engaging in conduct that demonstrates a reckless disregard for human life. This aligns with the understanding of second-degree murder as it reflects a willful and conscious choice to inflict serious injury or a willingness to engage in behavior that poses a significant risk of causing death or serious injury to others.

In this context, intentionally causing great bodily harm denotes a clear intention to produce severe injury, whereas acting recklessly implies a severe disregard for the potential consequences of one’s actions, showcasing a culpable state of mind that goes beyond mere negligence. This concept is critical in distinguishing second-degree murder from lesser charges and underscores the severity of the intentional or reckless conduct involved in such cases.

The other options do not adequately capture this level of intent or recklessness. For example, intending to resolve a conflict or expressing a desire to scare the victim may not involve the level of harm or disregard for life necessary to meet the threshold for second-degree murder. Acting without thinking does not imply the deliberate choice or recklessness that characterizes the required mental state either.