Crimes are frequently classified as either malum in se-inherently evil-or malum prohibitum-criminal because they have been declared as so by a legislature. The former is exemplified by murder. The failure to file a tax return is an example of the latter. Although some jurisdictions still distinguish between crimes
of malum in se and crimes of malum prohibitum, others do not.
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A
Some jurisdictions still distinguish between crimes malum in se and malum prohibitum
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B
Many jurisdictions no longer distinguish between crimes malum in se and malum prohibitum
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C
Sometimes failing to file a tax return is characterized as malum in se.
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D
Some crimes characterized as malum in se are not inherently evil.
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E
Some crimes characterized as malum prohibitum are not declared by legislature to be an offense.