Aforethought
/əˈfɔːrθɔːt/
Definitions
- (n.) Pre-planned or intentional thought, often used in legal contexts to describe a deliberate intent behind an act.
The defendant acted with malice aforethought, which is necessary for a murder charge.
Related terms
See also
Commentary
Commonly appears in criminal law to distinguish intentional acts from accidental ones.
This glossary is for general informational and educational purposes only. Definitions are jurisdiction-agnostic but reflect terminology and concepts primarily drawn from English and American legal traditions. Nothing herein constitutes legal advice or creates a lawyer-client relationship. Users should consult qualified counsel for advice on specific matters or jurisdictions.