malicious prosecution

noun

Legal Definition of malicious prosecution

: the tort of initiating a criminal prosecution or civil suit against another party with malice and without probable cause also : an action for damages based on this tort brought after termination of the proceedings in favor of the party seeking damages

— called also malicious use of process

— compare abuse of process

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Dictionary Entries Near malicious prosecution

malicious mischief

malicious prosecution

Malloy v. Hogan

Cite this Entry

“Malicious prosecution.” Merriam-Webster.com Legal Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/legal/malicious%20prosecution. Accessed 15 Oct. 2021.

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MLA