Animus (Latin for "mind" or "soul") is a Law Latin term used in a variety of contexts to designate the motivations of a See more

In criminal law, animus nocendi ("intention to harm" ) refers to an accused's guilty state of mind with respect to the actus reus of the crime. It is thus analogous to mens rea, a more commonly used term in common law countries. … See more

In family law, animus deserendi refers to one spouse's firm intention to leave the matrimonial home—and hence the marriage. When combined with the "factum of separation," it "constitute[s]" desertion. Proof of de… See more

In the jurisprudence of the Equal Protection Clause of the United States Constitution, animus ("intent") designates an improper government purpose in passing legislation. According to Dale Carpenter, the animus doctrine inv… See more

• Adams, Brooks (1907). "The Modern Conception of Animus". The Green Bag. 19 (1): 12–33 – via HeinOnline.
• Araiza, William D. (2017). Animus: A Short Introduction to Bias in the Law. New York: New York University … See more