Modus Operandi Definition: Latin: method of operation. Used by law enforcement officials to refer to a criminal's preferred method of committing crime.For example, car thief "George" may have a break and enter technique that leaves a long scratch mark on the door. Upon discovery of a stolen vehicle with such a mark, the law enforcement officials might include "George" on the list of suspects because the evidence at the crime scene is consistent with his modus operandi. Other aspects of a modus operandi include whether a know criminal works at night or with partners. Categories & Topics: Criminal Law Dictionary Dictionary of Latin Law Terms Find you are constantly looking up definitions? Try our search provider (works in most modern browsers) If you find an error or omission in Duhaime's Legal Dictionary, or if you have legal term suggestion, we'd love to hear from you!