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Simple English definitions for legal terms
malus animus
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A quick definition of malus animus:
Malus animus is a Latin term used in Scots law to describe bad intention. This means that if someone has the intention to do something wrong and carries out a prohibited act, it can result in a crime. It is important to understand that having bad intentions alone is not enough to be considered a crime, but when combined with a prohibited act, it can lead to legal consequences.
A more thorough explanation:
Definition: Malus animus is a Latin term used in Scots law to refer to bad intention. It is the intention to commit a crime, which when coupled with a prohibited act, results in the commission of a crime. This is also known as mens rea.
For example, if someone intentionally sets fire to a building, they have malus animus because they had the bad intention to commit the crime of arson. Similarly, if someone steals something with the intention of keeping it for themselves, they have malus animus because they had the bad intention to commit the crime of theft.
Another example would be if someone plans and carries out a murder. They have malus animus because they had the bad intention to commit the crime of homicide.
These examples illustrate how malus animus is the intention to commit a crime, which is an essential element in determining criminal liability.