Legal Definitions - common-law malice

Definition: Common-law malice is 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 common-law malice. This can include physical harm, emotional harm, or damage to property. Another example is if a company knowingly violates environmental regulations and causes harm to the environment and people living nearby, it can be considered common-law malice.

These examples illustrate how common-law malice involves intentional wrongdoing without any valid justification or excuse. It can cause harm to individuals or society as a whole, and is therefore considered a serious offense.