Border Patrol Practice Exam 2025 - Free Border Patrol Test Questions and Preparation Guide

The term that describes crimes that are inherently evil is "Malum in Se." This phrase originates from Latin and translates to "wrong in itself." Crimes classified as Malum in Se, such as murder or assault, are universally recognized as morally wrong, regardless of laws or regulations. Their inherently evil nature is apparent and does not depend on societal consensus; rather, they are condemned across different cultures and legal systems.

In contrast, the other terms refer to different legal concepts. For instance, "Malum Prohibitum" refers to offenses that are not inherently evil but become crimes due to defined laws or statutes; speeding, for example, would fall under this category. "Lex Talionis" refers to the principle of retaliation or "an eye for an eye," which relates more to punishment than to the classification of crimes. Lastly, "Sui Generis" means "of its own kind," often used to describe something unique or distinct, rather than pertaining to the moral nature of crimes.