What is Hicks v Faulkner?

Asked by: Dr. Winnifred Cummerata  |  Last update: June 8, 2026
Score: 4.7/5 (56 votes)

Hicks v. Faulkner (1878) is a landmark English case that defined "reasonable and probable cause" in malicious prosecution law, establishing that a prosecutor needs both an honest, subjective belief in guilt AND objectively reasonable grounds for that belief; the case found a landlord (Faulkner) had acted reasonably in pursuing a claim against a tenant (Hicks) for a missing key, despite the tenant's acquittal, because the landlord's suspicion was based on his diary and evidence, showing no malice or lack of reasonable cause.

What is the meaning of malicious prosecution in simple words?

Define malicious prosecution.

Malicious prosecution is an institution with malice against another of unsuccessful criminal or bankruptcy without a reasonable cause.

What are the four elements of malicious prosecution?

The Elements of a Malicious Prosecution Claim

  • A legal action commenced or prosecuted without probable cause. ...
  • The legal action was brought or initiated with malice or malicious intent.
  • Final, favorable termination or resolution of the action (or relevant claims) in the defendant's favor. ...
  • Legally recognizable damages.

What is termination of proceedings in favor of the plaintiff?

Termination in plaintiff's favor refers to the conclusion of a legal case, whether criminal or civil, that benefits the plaintiff, particularly in cases of malicious prosecution. This termination means that the prosecutor must start the legal process over if they wish to continue pursuing the case.

What is malice in fact and malice in law?

Malice in fact also referred to as actual malice or express malice relates to actions undertaken with hostility, animosity or ill intent toward a person or entity. Unlike malice in law which focuses solely on the wrongful act itself malice in fact considers the underlying motive or intent behind the action.

Hicks v. Feiock Case Brief Summary | Law Case Explained

24 related questions found

What are the four types of malice?

The four types of malice aforethought in common law homicide are: intent to kill, intent to cause grievous bodily harm, depraved heart (extreme recklessness), and felony murder, where death occurs during the commission of a dangerous felony, showing an extreme disregard for life. These define the mental state (mens rea) needed for murder, distinguishing it from manslaughter, and cover both express (direct intent) and implied malice. 

What is an example of a mistake of fact?

Mistakes of fact arise when a criminal defendant misunderstood some fact that negates an element of the crime. For instance, if an individual is charged with larceny but believed that the property he took was rightfully his, this misunderstanding negates any intent to deprive another of the property.

How to prove malicious prosecution?

malicious prosecution

  1. The defendant was actively involved in bringing or continuing the lawsuit;
  2. The lawsuit ended in the plaintiff's favor;
  3. No reasonable person in the defendant's circumstances would have believed that there were reasonable grounds to bring the lawsuit against the plaintiff;

Can a plaintiff withdraw the suit at any time?

“1. (1) At any time after the institution of a suit the plaintiff may, as against all or any of the defendants, withdraw his suit or abandon part of his claim. (b) that there are other sufficient grounds for allowing the plaintiff to institute a fresh suit for the subject-matter of a suit or part of a claim.

What damages can you recover?

California law recognizes three main categories of personal injury damages: special damages, general damages, and punitive damages. Each plays a unique role in ensuring that injury victims are compensated for both measurable losses and the emotional or psychological impact of an accident.

How do you prove vindictive prosecution?

Actual prosecutorial vindictiveness requires the defendant to produce objective evidence showing that the prosecutor intended for his actions to punish a defendant for asserting a right they are entitled to under the constitution. For example, in United States v.

What is the burden of proof for malicious prosecution?

The burden of proof is yours during the case to prove and support that the person who began or continued the original case did not have legal reason to do so.

Can a judge be charged with malicious prosecution?

Criminal prosecuting attorneys and judges are protected from tort liability for malicious prosecution by doctrines of prosecutorial immunity and judicial immunity.

What is the hardest tort to prove?

The hardest torts to prove often involve establishing intent (like in Intentional Infliction of Emotional Distress) or complex causation, especially in medical malpractice, where proving a provider's specific error directly caused harm over other factors requires significant expert testimony. Toxic torts, involving long latency periods and multiple exposures, are also notoriously difficult due to challenges in linking a specific substance to the injury over time. 

Who to sue for malicious prosecution?

AGAINST WHOM MAY A CLAIM BE INSTITUTED?

  • With the exception of the State, against anyone, including Companies, Close Corporations and Associations.
  • NB: Please note that claims cannot be instituted against Municipalities/Local Government in a Small Claims Court.

What are the three most common types of civil cases?

The three major types of civil disputes often cited are Contract Disputes, Tort Claims (like personal injury), and Property Disputes, though Family Law matters (divorce, custody) are also very common. Contract disputes involve broken agreements, torts cover harm from negligence or intentional acts, and property disputes concern ownership or use of real estate, while family law deals with domestic relations. 

What is the most popular reason that cases get dismissed?

The most popular reasons cases get dismissed revolve around insufficient evidence (prosecutors can't prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt), violations of the defendant's constitutional rights (like illegal searches), and witness issues (unavailability, unreliability, or victim non-cooperation). Procedural errors by law enforcement or the prosecution, prosecutorial misconduct, or a case settling (in civil matters) are also very common reasons. 

Can a lawyer drop your case for non-payment?

Attorneys may withdraw from representation for the client's nonpayment subject to court approval and the specific facts and circumstances. Nonpayment of fees may constitute an unreasonable financial burden or failure to fulfill an obligation.

What is the order 23 rule 3?

This entire process is governed by Order XXIII Rule 3 of the Code of Civil Procedure (CPC), which allows disputes to be resolved through lawful agreements, even if the settlement doesn't directly address the initial issue in the lawsuit, as long as both parties are involved.

How much can I sue someone for malicious prosecution?

The amount you can sue for malicious prosecution depends on various factors, including the damages you suffered, legal fees, and other related expenses. There is no fixed amount, as each case is unique and the compensation awarded varies based on the circumstances.

What are the four elements of a tort case?

The existence of a legal duty to the plaintiff; The defendant breached that duty; The plaintiff was injured; and, The defendant's breach of duty caused the injury.

Is it worth suing someone for defamation?

Suing for defamation can be worthwhile if you suffered significant, quantifiable harm (like lost income or career opportunities) from a false statement, have strong evidence, and are prepared for the costly, intrusive legal process, especially if informal resolution failed; however, for minor lies, it's often better to let them fade, as defamation suits demand proof of real damages and can involve public scrutiny of your own life, notes. 

What is considered a false statement of fact?

— The term “misrepresentation of fact” means a false statement of substantive fact, or conduct that leads to a belief of a substantive fact material to proper understanding of the matter in hand, made with intent to deceive or mislead.

What is an example of an honest mistake?

An “honest mistake” is made unintentionally or unknowingly and without the intention of causing harm. It's a mistake that anyone might have made in similar circumstances. On his entry form, Djokovic declared that he had not traveled from his home in Monte Carlo in the 14 days prior to his flight.

What is a unilateral mistake?

A unilateral mistake occurs when only one party is mistaken as to the subject matter or the terms contained in the contract agreement. This type of mistake is generally more common than other types of contract mistakes, such as a mutual mistake (an error that is shared by both parties).