Culpability refers to the degree of responsibility or blame that an individual has for a wrongdoing or crime. It is often assessed in legal contexts to determine whether a person can be held accountable for their actions. Factors such as intent, knowledge, and circumstances surrounding the act can influence the level of culpability. In criminal law, different levels of culpability exist, including negligence, recklessness, and intent. Each level indicates how aware a person was of their actions and the potential consequences. Understanding culpability helps ensure that justice is served fairly, taking into account the individual's state of mind at the time of the offense.