Malicious Prosecution
An action instituted with intention of injuring the defendant and without probable cause, and which terminates in favor of the person prosecuted.
Mandamus
A writ issued by a court ordering a public official to perform an act.
Manslaughter
The unlawful killing of another without intent to kill; either voluntary (upon a sudden impulse); or involuntary (during the commission of an unlawful act not ordinarily expected to result in great bodily harm). See also murder.
Mediation
A form of alternative dispute resolution in which the parties bring their dispute to a neutral third party, who helps them agree on a settlement.
Memorialized
In writing.
Mens Rea
The "guilty mind" necessary to establish criminal responsibility.
Miranda Warning
The doctrine that requires police officers to tell a suspect in their custody of his or her constitutional rights before questioning him or her. The doctrine is named after the US Supreme Court case entitled 'Miranda v. Arizona'.
Misdemeanor
A criminal offense considered less serious than a felony. Misdemeanors generally are punishable by a fine or a limited local jail term, but not by imprisonment in a state penitentiary.
Mistrial
An invalid trial, caused by fundamental error. When a mistrial is declared, the trial must start again from the selection of the jury.
Mitigating Circumstances
A fact or situation that does not constitute a justification or excuse for an offense but which may be considered as a reason to reduce the degree of blame.