What is the culpable mental state associated with public lewdness?

The culpable mental state associated with public lewdness is "knowingly." This means that a person must be aware of their actions and the nature of their conduct in a public setting, where they engage in lewd behavior. The standard reflects that the individual comprehends that their actions are likely to be seen by others, suggesting a conscious choice to engage in behavior that is deemed offensive or inappropriate in a public context.

In public lewdness, the knowledge aspect is crucial because it involves a deliberate engagement in acts that are obviously sexual or obscene in nature, with full awareness of the surrounding environment and potential witnesses. Therefore, the individual must have an understanding that their actions are not only unacceptable in a public sphere but could also result in legal repercussions. The element of "knowingly" aligns with the intent required to hold someone accountable for this behavior in legal circumstances.