Which term describes acts that are inherently wrong, such as murder and rape?

Which term describes acts that are inherently wrong, such as murder and rape?

• A. Mala prohibita crimes
• B. Atavism
• C. Mala en se crimes
• D. Phrenology

Answer: (C)

Acts that are wrong in themselves, regardless of what the law says, are described as mala in se. Murder and rape are viewed this way because their wrongness is inherent and not dependent on legal prohibitions. This concept contrasts with mala prohibita, which are offenses seen as wrong mainly because a law prohibits them (like certain regulatory violations). The other options reference unrelated ideas: atavism is an old theory about criminal ancestry, and phrenology is an outdated, discredited idea linking skull shape to criminality. So the term that best fits inherently wrongful acts is mala in se.

Acts that are wrong in themselves, regardless of what the law says, are described as mala in se. Murder and rape are viewed this way because their wrongness is inherent and not dependent on legal prohibitions. This concept contrasts with mala prohibita, which are offenses seen as wrong mainly because a law prohibits them (like certain regulatory violations). The other options reference unrelated ideas: atavism is an old theory about criminal ancestry, and phrenology is an outdated, discredited idea linking skull shape to criminality. So the term that best fits inherently wrongful acts is mala in se.