malice in law

Definitions

The state of having done something illegal without an intention of breaking the law.

uncountable

Examples

“[…] in actions of slander, though it should appear⟳ that the defendant was not actuated by ill-will against the plaintiff, malice in law will be inferred from the fact of intentional publication, unless the defendant can show⟳ that his language was excusable as a privileged communication […]”

“The actions of the president and the government advising him on the matter⟳ of Justice Isa were stained by malice in law, says the court. The president failed to apply⟳ his independent mind⟳ to the advice given to him […]”

“Any use⟳ of discretionary power exercised for an unauthorized purpose amounted to malice in law. It is immaterial whether the authority acted in good faith or bad faith.”

CEFR level