murder charge

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Thân thiện
Definition

Noun A formal accusation made by a legal authority (such as a grand jury) alleging that a person has committed the crime of murder. It is the specific charge within an indictment that initiates a prosecution for murder.

Usage

A "murder charge" is the official legal statement of the crime a person is accused of. It is typically brought after an investigation and is a prerequisite for a murder trial. * The evidence was sufficient for the district attorney to file a murder charge. * He is facing a murder charge and could receive a life sentence if convicted. * The grand jury declined to issue a murder charge, citing lack of intent.

Advanced Usage
  • To bring a murder charge (against someone): The formal act of accusing someone.
    • The state decided to bring a murder charge against the suspect.
  • To be arrested on/under a murder charge: Describes the reason for an arrest.
    • The individual was arrested on a murder charge late last night.
  • To face a murder charge: To be subject to this accusation in a legal proceeding.
    • She will face a murder charge in court next month.
  • A murder charge was dropped/dismissed: The accusation was formally withdrawn by the prosecution or thrown out by a judge.
    • The murder charge was dropped after new exonerating evidence emerged.
Variants and Related Words
  • Charge (n): A formal accusation of a crime. "Murder charge" is a type of charge.
  • Indictment (n): A formal written accusation, typically issued by a grand jury, that enumerates the charges. A "murder charge" is often contained within an indictment.
  • Homicide charge (n): A broader legal term for a charge of unlawfully killing a person, which includes murder and manslaughter.
  • Manslaughter charge (n): A charge for the unlawful killing of a person without premeditation or malice aforethought, often considered a lesser charge than murder.
Synonyms
  • Homicide accusation
  • Murder accusation
  • Murder indictment (specifies the formal document)
Related Phrases
  • Capital murder charge: A murder charge for which the death penalty may be sought as punishment.
    • The prosecutor is seeking a capital murder charge due to the circumstances of the crime.
  • First-degree murder charge / Second-degree murder charge: Specific classifications of a murder charge based on the presence of premeditation, intent, or the circumstances of the killing, as defined by statute.
    • The jury must decide if the facts support a first-degree murder charge.
Noun
  1. an indictment charging someone with murder

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