malum in se

The Latin phrase "malum in se" is used in legal contexts to describe acts that are inherently wrong or evil, regardless of their legal status.

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Definition

(technical, formal)An act considered inherently immoral or wrong, independent of legal statutes.

Murder is an example of malum in se, as it is universally condemned regardless of legal systems.
Theft is often classified as malum in se due to its intrinsic immorality.