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I didn't intend to plagiarize. I just don't know any better.
Q: I didn't intend to plagiarize. I just don't know any better.
A: Plagiarism is not one of those crimes that involves intent. Killing someone is. Whether someone is guilty of murder or manslaughter (and which type) depends, to a great extent, on intentions. A crime of passion, committed in the heat of the moment, does not generally result in a conviction of murder in the first degree.
One defines plagiarism (and correct citation) by what is down on paper, not what is in the student's mind. While some colleges and universities treat a plagiarist in different ways depending on evidence of intent, the action (not what is in the mind) determines whether something is plagiarism. We assume that what you hand in for a grade is the result of thoughtful work and represents your best efforts. If what is on paper does not meet academic expectations, it does not. Thinking good thoughts is like writing in white: a teacher cannot see it. Get it down in black to show what you can do.
Besides—do you really want teachers able to read your mind?