animus

(an-[schwa]-m[schwa]s). [Latin] 1. Ill will; animosity. class-based animus A prejudicial disposition toward a discernible, usu. constitutionally protected, group of persons. • A class-based animus is an essential element of a civil-rights conspiracy case. [Cases: Civil Rights 1033(1), 1137. C.J.S. Civil Rights §§ 18, 20, 23–24, 34, 39–40.]