Legal Definitions - malum in se

Malum in se

Malum in se refers to an act that is inherently immoral or wrong, regardless of whether it is prohibited by law or not. Examples of such acts include adultery, theft, and murder.

• Adultery: Engaging in sexual relations with someone who is not your spouse is considered immoral in most cultures and religions.
• Theft: Taking someone else's property without their permission is considered wrong and unethical.
• Murder: Taking someone's life intentionally is considered a grave offense and a violation of basic human rights.

These examples illustrate the concept of malum in se because they are universally recognized as immoral acts, regardless of whether they are prohibited by law or not. They are considered wrong in and of themselves, and are not dependent on any external factors or circumstances.