Simple English definitions for legal terms
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Malice is when someone intends to do something wrong without a good reason. It can also mean when someone doesn't care about the law or other people's rights. Sometimes it means having a bad heart or wanting to do something wicked. In legal terms, malice can refer to different types of intent, including immediate or ulterior intent, and can be expressed or implied. Actual malice means deliberately intending to cause harm, while constructive malice is inferred from a person's conduct. Malice can also be directed at a particular person or be universal, where someone is willing to take a life without caring who the victim is.
Malice in law refers to the intent, without justification or excuse, to commit a wrongful act. It can also refer to reckless disregard of the law or of a person's legal rights, or ill will and wickedness of heart.
For example, if someone intentionally harms another person without any valid reason, it can be considered malice in law. Similarly, if someone knowingly violates someone else's legal rights, it can also be considered malice in law.
Malice in law is a legal concept that is used to determine liability in various situations, such as criminal cases or defamation lawsuits. It is important to note that malice in law does not necessarily require ill will or malevolence, but rather any intent that the law deems wrongful.