Word: Corpus Delicti
Definition:
"Corpus delicti" is a Latin term that means "the body of the crime." It refers to the evidence that shows a crime has been committed. It is not about a physical body, like that of a murder victim, but rather the facts and evidence that prove that a crime took place.
Usage Instructions:
- Use "corpus delicti" when discussing legal matters, especially in court cases. - It is more common in formal writing or discussions about law than in everyday conversation.
Example:
In a robbery case, the corpus delicti would include evidence like stolen items, eyewitness testimony, and security camera footage showing the crime happening.
Advanced Usage:
In legal contexts, establishing corpus delicti is crucial because a person cannot be convicted of a crime without proving that the crime actually occurred. For example, in a murder trial, the prosecution must present the corpus delicti, which might include the victim's body (if applicable), forensic evidence, and any relevant circumstances surrounding the crime.
Word Variants:
- Corpus (noun): Meaning "body" in Latin, used in various legal and academic contexts. - Delict (noun): A legal term referring to a wrongful act or offense.
Different Meanings:
While "corpus delicti" specifically refers to criminal law, the individual components "corpus" and "delict" can be used in other contexts. "Corpus" can refer to the main body of work in literature or science, while "delict" can refer to any wrongful act in various legal systems.
Synonyms:
- Evidence of a crime - Proof of a criminal act - Crime evidence
Idioms and Phrasal Verbs:
There are no specific idioms or phrasal verbs that directly relate to "corpus delicti," but you might encounter phrases like "the evidence speaks for itself," which conveys a similar idea that the proof is clear and undeniable.
In summary, "corpus delicti" is an important term in the legal field that refers to the essential evidence proving that a crime has happened, rather than a physical body.