Legal Definitions - malicious mischief

Malicious mischief is a crime where someone intentionally damages or destroys someone else's property. It was a misdemeanor according to the common law of England, but some modern statutes make it a felony depending on the nature of the property or its value.

For example, if someone spray-paints graffiti on someone else's car, that would be considered malicious mischief. Another example would be if someone breaks a window of someone else's house on purpose.

These examples illustrate the definition because in both cases, someone intentionally damaged someone else's property without permission. This is against the law and can result in criminal charges.