- motive
-
mo·tive n [Anglo-French motif, from Middle French motif adjective, moving, from Medieval Latin motivus, from Latin motus, past participle of movēre to move]: something (as a need or desire) that causes a person to act◇ In criminal law, motive is distinguished from intent or mens rea. Although motive is not an element of a crime, evidence regarding motives can be introduced to help establish intent. In contract law, motive is usu. distinguished from cause or consideration.
Merriam-Webster’s Dictionary of Law. Merriam-Webster. 1996.
- motive
-
I
noun
aim, causa, causation, compulsion, consideration, design, determination, driving force, encouragement, end, goal, impelling power, impulse, incentive, inducement, influence, inner drive, inspiration, moving cause, moving power, moving spirit, object, objective, personal reasons, persuasion, plan, point, proposal, prospect, provocation, purpose, ratio, rationale, reason, reason for action, stimulant, stimulation, stimulus
associated concepts: corrupt motive, intent
II
index
animus, basis, cause (reason), design (intent), desire, determinant, end (intent), ground, impetus, impulse, incentive, intent, moving (in motion), origination, point (purpose), provocation, purpose, rationale, reason (basis), source, stimulus, target
Burton's Legal Thesaurus. William C. Burton. 2006
- motive
-
n.The reason for doing some act; the idea or circumstances that cause someone to do something.
The Essential Law Dictionary. — Sphinx Publishing, An imprint of Sourcebooks, Inc. Amy Hackney Blackwell. 2008.
- motive
-
the moving cause or desire that induces action. A person's motive may answer the question: Why did he do it? It may coincide with intention but may differ. The general approach of the law is to ignore motive, however helpful it may be to those who investigate crime. See aemulationem vicini, economic torts.
Collins dictionary of law. W. J. Stewart. 2001.
- motive
-
The probable reason a person committed a crime, as when one acts out of jealousy, greed, or revenge. While evidence of a motive may be admissible at trial, proof of motive is not necessary to prove a crime.Category: Criminal LawCategory: Small Claims Court & Lawsuits
Nolo’s Plain-English Law Dictionary. Gerald N. Hill, Kathleen Thompson Hill. 2009.
- motive
-
An idea, belief, or emotion that impels a person to act in accordance with that state of mind.
Dictionary from West's Encyclopedia of American Law. 2005.
- motive
-
An idea, belief, or emotion that impels a person to act in accordance with that state of mind.
Short Dictionary of (mostly American) Legal Terms and Abbreviations.
- motive
-
n.in criminal investigation the probable reason a person committed a crime, such as jealousy, greed, revenge or part of a theft. While evidence of a motive may be admissible at trial, proof of motive is not necessary to prove a crime.
Law dictionary. EdwART. 2013.