MALICE AFORETHOUGHT

A predetermination to commit an act without legal justification or excuse. A malicious design to

injure. An intent, at the time of a killing, willfully to take the life of a human being, or an intent willfully to act in callous and wanton disregard of the consequences to human life; but malice aforethought does not necessarily imply any ill will, spite or hatred towards the individual killed.

mal·ice a·fore·thought • n. Law the intention to kill or harm, which is held to distinguish unlawful killing from murder.