a conscious, intentional wrongdoing either of a civil wrong like libel (false written
statement about another) or a criminal act like assault or murder, with the intention
of doing harm to the victim. This intention includes ill-will, hatred or total disregard
for the other's well-being. Often the mean nature of the act itself implies malice,
without the party saying "I did it because I was mad at him, and I hated him," which
would be express malice. Malice is an element in first degree murder. In a lawsuit
for defamation (libel and slander) the existence of malice may increase the judgment
to include general damages. Proof of malice is absolutely necessary for a "public
figure" to win a lawsuit for defamation.
See also defamation libel malice aforethought malicious prosecution murder public
figure slander
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