Definitions for "Malice aforethought"
The mens rea for murder is defined as malice aforethought, which has come to mean either an intention to kill or an intention to cause grievous bodily harm.
The common-law designation of murder mens rea; covers a wide range of mental states.
(law) criminal intent; the thoughts and intentions behind a wrongful act (including knowledge that the act is illegal); often at issue in murder trials
Consciously planning cause injury or even death to another person before that crime against them is committed.
Planning to commit an unlawful act without just cause or excuse.
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