​Malum Prohibitum: means "Crimes are criminal not because they are inherently bad, but because the act is prohibited by the law of the state."

Unlike acts that are naturally or morally wrong (malum in se, like theft or assault), malum prohibitum refers to regulatory infractions.

These are actions that are only considered offenses because a legislative body decided to ban them to maintain public order, safety, or administrative efficiency.

​A perfect everyday example is shown in the image: fishing in a designated "No Fishing Zone."

There is nothing inherently evil about catching a fish, but when the state establishes a restriction—whether to protect an ecosystem or manage resources—violating that rule becomes a crime by law.

Stay informed and stay compliant!