Definition, Meaning & Synonyms
malice aforethought
noun
ˈmælɪs əˈfɔːrθɔt
Definition
The intention to commit a harmful act or crime with a wicked or sinister motive.
Examples
- The jury found the defendant guilty of murder with malice aforethought.
- In many jurisdictions, a conviction for first-degree murder requires proof of malice aforethought.
- Malice aforethought distinguishes intentional killings from those that are accidental or unintentional.
Meaning
Malice aforethought refers to the deliberate intention to cause harm to someone or to commit a crime. It is often a legal term used in the context of murder, indicating that the perpetrator planned the act before carrying it out.
Synonyms
- Intent
- Motive
- Premeditation
- Ill will
- Malevolence
