malum prohibitum
noun
malum pro·hib·i·tum
-prō-ˈhi-bə-təm
plural mala prohibita
-ˈhi-bə-tə
: an offense prohibited by statute but not inherently evil or wrong
is malum prohibitum and, therefore, does not demand mens rea—
Commonwealth v. Guthrie, 616 A.2d 1019 (1992)
—often used with a preceding noun (as crime or act)Commonwealth v. Guthrie, 616 A.2d 1019 (1992)acts malum prohibitum
compare malum in se
Cite this Entry
“Malum prohibitum.” Merriam-Webster.com Legal Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/legal/malum%20prohibitum. Accessed 4 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share