Which term refers to offenses that society regards as inherently wrong, regardless of statutory definitions?

• A. Mala in se
• B. Mala prohibita
• C. Corpus delicti
• D. Actus reus

Answer: (A)

In criminal law, some offenses are viewed as wrong in themselves, independent of any statute. These are mala in se—acts that society inherently condemns because the conduct is morally or socially harmful, such as murder or rape. Mala prohibita, by contrast, describes offenses that are wrong only because the law forbids them (like certain regulatory or licensing violations). Corpus delicti refers to the essential facts proving that a crime occurred, not the morality of the act. Actus reus is the physical act of the crime. Since the question targets acts that are inherently wrong regardless of statutory definitions, mala in se is the best fit.