Also known as: intentionally · purposely
Written by attorneys · grounded in primary & secondary sources — see below
An adverb used in criminal statutes to indicate that the actor knew a representation was false when obtaining property from another by false pretenses.
Select any source to read its text and confirm it supports the definition.
Darius Dixon approached Danielle Dixon at an ATM and designedly stated his account held ample funds. Danielle transferred cash believing the representation. The knowing falsehood satisfied the false-pretenses element under the governing statute.
Diego Duarte designedly misrepresented his authority on firm letterhead when negotiating with Dorothy Daniels. Dorothy transferred funds believing the transaction bound the firm. The knowing falsehood created criminal liability for false pretenses.
Daphne Doyle designedly claimed ownership of Dakota Industries equipment she did not own. Dakota transferred title and funds believing the representation true. The knowing falsehood triggered false-pretenses liability.
Derek Douglas designedly asserted a pistol was unloaded when trading it to Darius Dixon for cash. Darius paid believing the representation. The knowing falsehood established the false-pretenses offense.
Dynamic Solutions designedly represented mortgaged fixtures as unencumbered when selling them to a buyer. The buyer paid full value believing the claim. The knowing falsehood constituted false pretenses.
Dorothy Daniels designedly misrepresented her relationship to an estate to obtain funds from the administrator. The administrator released assets believing the representation. The knowing falsehood satisfied false-pretenses liability.
Designedly requires that the defendant knew the representation was false at the time of obtaining the property. The term functions as a synonym for knowingly in modern statutes.
Supporting sources
No. Designedly addresses only the defendant's knowledge that the representation is false. Separate statutory language requires intent to defraud as an additional element.
Supporting sources
…by earlier commentators. He concludes that Coke, who himself participated as an advocate in an abortion case in 1601, may have intentionally misstated the law. The author even suggests a reason: Coke's strong feelings against abortion, coupled with his determination to assert common-law (secular) jurisdiction to assess penalties…