Unit 4 Lesson 6.1: Vandalism and Malicious Mischief

Question 1

Definition of vandalism?

Answer 1

Any person to wilfully or recklessly destroy or damage the property of another without reasonable excuse

Question 2

Essential elements of vandalism?

Answer 2

• deliberate intention to damage (or so reckless…)
• actual damage or destruction
• must be property of another

Question 3

Definition of malicious mischief?

Answer 3

A crime at common law constituted by wilful, wanton and malicious destruction of, or damage to the property of another

Question 4

Essential elements for malicious mischief?

Answer 4

• must be malice, either actual or inferred

Question 5

Main difference between malicious mischief and vandalism?

Answer 5

Vandalism requires damage to actual property whereas with malicious mischief, financial damage brought about by a criminal act would suffice in the absence of actual damage to property.

Malicious mischief should only be recorded where widespread damage is caused, where the value of the damage is considerable, or where there is disruption of the power supply, flooding or similar