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NeCede's

Maxim 7.1.5

Felony, by force of the term, signifies any capital crime committed with a malignant mind.

Felonia, ex vi termini, significat quodlibet capitale crimen felleo animo perpetratum.

Source: Co. Litt. 391; Weisman, 26e Difficulty 2/5 — Approachable

Explanation

The very definition of felony embeds the requirement of evil intent — without the felonious mind, there is no felony.

Where this applies

  • What makes a crime a felony instead of a misdemeanor?
  • The charge requires proof of a malicious mental state — without that, it's not a felony.

Topics

Crime & Criminal Law

Legal domains

criminal

See also

Cite this maxim

NeCede Max. 7.1.5 — Felony, by force of the term, signifies any capital crime committed with a malignant mind. — Co. Litt. 391; Weisman, 26e (Felonia, ex vi termini, significat quodlibet capitale crimen felleo animo perpetratum.)

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