What is an example of behavior classified as "mala in se"?

• A. Parking violations
• B. Jaywalking
• C. Theft
• D. All of the above

Answer: (C)

Behavior classified as "mala in se" refers to actions that are inherently wrong or evil in themselves, regardless of whether they are prohibited by law. These offenses are typically considered immoral and are universally condemned across different cultures and societies. Theft is a prime example of "mala in se" behavior because it involves taking someone else's property without their consent, which is fundamentally unethical and harmful.

In contrast, parking violations and jaywalking, while they may be against the law, do not reflect moral wrongs that are universally viewed as evil. These offenses are considered "mala prohibita" because they are wrong predominantly due to being prohibited by statutory law, not because they are inherently immoral. Therefore, theft stands out as the clear example of behavior that is classified as "mala in se."