malice aforethought

/ˌˈmæləs əˈfɔrˌθɔt/
IPA guide

Definitions of malice aforethought
  1. noun
    (law) criminal intent; the thoughts and intentions behind a wrongful act (including knowledge that the act is illegal); often at issue in murder trials
    synonyms: mens rea
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    types:
    premeditation
    (law) thought and intention to commit a crime well in advance of the crime; goes to show criminal intent
    type of:
    planning, preparation, provision
    the cognitive process of thinking about what you will do in the event of something happening
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