Legal Definitions - conviciandi animo

The Latin phrase conviciandi animo refers to acting with the intention of insulting someone, or with the deliberate purpose of bringing them into contempt or disrepute.

This term highlights a specific malicious intent behind an action or statement, where the primary goal is to demean, humiliate, or cause others to view an individual or group with scorn.

• Example 1: Public Denunciation

  During a heated public debate, a speaker, instead of addressing the policy points of their opponent, launches into a tirade of personal attacks, using highly derogatory and demeaning language to describe the opponent's character and intelligence. The speaker's primary aim is not to win the argument on its merits, but to publicly humiliate and discredit the opponent in the eyes of the audience.

  This illustrates conviciandi animo because the speaker's actions are driven by a clear intent to insult and bring their opponent into contempt, rather than engaging in a substantive discussion.

• Example 2: Malicious Online Post

  A disgruntled former employee creates a social media post containing fabricated and deeply embarrassing personal anecdotes about their previous manager. The post is shared widely, and its content is designed purely to mock the manager, damage their professional reputation, and incite public ridicule, without any basis in truth or legitimate criticism of their work performance.

  Here, the creation and dissemination of false, humiliating information demonstrates conviciandi animo, as the intent is to deliberately insult the manager and bring them into widespread disrepute.

• Example 3: Disruptive Conduct in a Formal Setting

  During a solemn community meeting, an individual repeatedly interrupts a speaker who is presenting a sensitive proposal. The individual does not offer counter-arguments but instead makes loud, mocking noises, personal taunts, and gestures of contempt directed solely at the speaker, intending to undermine the speaker's authority and make them appear foolish in front of the attendees.

  This scenario exemplifies conviciandi animo because the individual's actions are not aimed at constructive criticism but are calculated to insult the speaker and bring them into contempt before the community.