Maliciousness
/məˈlɪʃəsnəs/
Definitions
- (n.) The quality or state of having the intent to cause harm, injury, or distress to another, often relevant in tort and criminal law.
The court considered the defendant's maliciousness in awarding punitive damages.
Related terms
See also
Commentary
Maliciousness is often assessed by courts to determine the presence of malice, which is crucial for establishing liability in some intentional torts and crimes.
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.