Modus Operandi Law & Legal Definition
Modus operandi is a characteristic pattern of methods of a repeated criminal act, used to identify the culprit. It is often referred to as "M.O." The modus operandi of a particular has often been held to have been a proper subject for expert testimony, under the general principles that expert testimony is admissible if the subject matter meets the ordinary test of relevance and is sufficiently beyond ordinary experience as to render the testimony of probable assistance to the jury, and that the admission of expert testimony is a matter resting within the broad discretion of the trial judge and is not to be disturbed unless clearly erroneous.
For example, in pickpocket prosecutions modus operandi testimony has been held properly admitted to enable the jury to connect a defendant's apparently noncriminal act of bumping the victim to create a distraction enabling a partner to remove a wallet without being detected.
Legal Definitions
Search Definitions
Get a Term Defined
- Request a legal definition! Submit a term you need defined.
- » Request Legal Definition
Submit a Definition
- Submit a Definition Help us build our database. Free listings for attorneys.
- » Submit a Definition
Help Build USLegal
- Join our Team and help build USLegal. Many opportunities for participation so Join our Network.
Build USLegal
Read a Law Digest
- Need to read the law or find an answer to a legal question? Visit our Law Digest for the largest selection of law digests and answers available.
Go to Law Digest
Form Packages
- Select from our most popular legal form packages.
- » Bankruptcy
- » Contract for Deed
- » Divorce
- » Employment Packages
- » Home Sales
- » Incorporation
- » LLC Formation
- » Landlord Tenant
- » Mutual Wills
- » Name Change
- » Personal Planning
- » Partnerships
- » View All Packages
Legal Life
- Organize your legal life today! View our free online guide to creating a Life Documents File and related products.
- » Life Documents File
- » Personal Planning Package
- » Life Documents Packages
- » New Parents
- » Newlyweds
- » Baby Boomers
- » Military
- » Other
Form Drafting
- Can′t find the form you need, or need a form we offer revised for your situation? Submit your request and our attorneys will review the request and let you know if the form can be provided.
Submit a drafting request...
