exculpatory
/'ekskʌlpətəri/
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- Adjective:
- Clearing of guilt or blame: Providing evidence or arguments that tend to show someone is not guilty or responsible for a fault or crime.
Usage
The adjective exculpatory is used to describe evidence, statements, or circumstances that help to prove a person's innocence or to remove blame from them. It is a formal term, most commonly used in legal and judicial contexts. It is the opposite of inculpatory evidence, which tends to prove guilt.
Examples
- Adjective:
- The defense attorney presented exculpatory evidence that proved her client was out of town when the crime occurred.
- The judge ordered the prosecution to turn over all exculpatory material to the defense team.
- His alibi was a powerful piece of exculpatory information.
Advanced Usage
"Exculpatory clause": A provision in a contract that relieves one party from liability for damages or wrongdoing.
- The rental agreement contained an exculpatory clause protecting the landlord from liability for theft.
"Exculpatory statement": A formal declaration intended to clear someone of blame.
- The witness's exculpatory statement was crucial for the defendant's case.
Variants and Related Words
Exculpate (verb): To clear from a charge of guilt or fault; to prove innocent.
- The new evidence served to exculpate the suspect completely.
Exculpation (noun): The act of exculpating or the state of being exculpated; vindication.
- The discovery of the video footage led to his full exculpation.
Synonyms
- Vindicating: Clearing someone of suspicion, blame, or doubt.
- Absolving: Setting someone free from guilt, obligation, or punishment.
- Exonerating: Officially absolving someone from blame; declaring someone free from guilt.
Antonyms
- Inculpatory: Tending to incriminate or blame; showing or suggesting guilt.
- Damning: Causing, leading to, or proving guilt or ruin.
- Incriminating: Making someone appear guilty of a crime or wrongdoing.
Adjective
- clearing of guilt or blame