Malicious Prosecution - Definition - Law Dictionary Home Dictionary Definition malicious-prosecution

Definition :

Malicious prosecution, a prosecution, preferred maliciously, without reasonable or probable cause; the remedy is an action on the case, in which damages may be recovered. The allegation of want of probable cause must be substantively and expressly proved, and cannot be implied; but it is for the judge, not the jury, to determine upon it, Abrath v. North Eastern R. Co., (1886) 11 App Cas 247; Cox v. English, Scottish and Australian Bank, 1905 AC 168. Animus injuri' cannot be inferred from the mere fact that the prosecution has failed, Corea v. Peiris, 1909 AC 549. See Addison or Clerk and Lindsell on Torts.