Arizona State University (ASU) CRJ100 Introduction to Criminal Justice Exam 1 Practice

The term that describes offenses considered inherently wrong is mala in se. This phrase, derived from Latin, translates to "wrong in itself." These crimes are seen as universally immoral and harmful, regardless of laws or cultural contexts. Examples of mala in se offenses include murder, rape, and theft, which are generally condemned by all societies due to their fundamental violation of ethical standards.

In contrast, mala prohibita are offenses that are not inherently evil but are prohibited by law, such as jaywalking or not having a business license. Misdemeanors and felonies refer to classifications of crimes based on their severity, with misdemeanors being less severe and typically punishable by fines or short jail terms, while felonies are more serious and can lead to longer prison sentences. These classifications do not necessarily indicate the moral nature of the offenses, which is why mala in se is the correct term for inherently wrong actions.