CAPITAL CRIME Meaning and
Definition
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A capital crime refers to an offense or criminal act that is deemed so serious and severe that it is punishable by death. This type of crime carries the harshest penalty possible within a legal system and is often reserved for the most heinous offenses against society or its members. The term "capital" in this context comes from the Latin word "capitalis," which means "of the head" and is connected to the concept of taking someone's life.
Historically, capital crimes have included acts such as murder, treason, espionage, terrorism, and violent crimes resulting in the death of another person. The gravity of these offenses is considered to be a direct threat to the stability, security, and welfare of a society, warranting the ultimate punishment - the death penalty.
The capital punishment associated with capital crimes has been a source of ongoing debate and controversy in many countries. Abolitionists argue that it violates the fundamental human rights to life, while proponents often justify its use as a necessary deterrent or just punishment for the most serious criminal acts.
In modern legal systems, the application of capital punishment varies across jurisdictions. Some nations retain the death penalty for certain capital offenses, while others have abolished it entirely, opting for alternative punishments such as life imprisonment without parole.
Nevertheless, regardless of its current legal status in different parts of the world, the concept of capital crime continues to play a significant role in shaping criminal justice systems and discussions surrounding the consequences of the most severe criminal acts.
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A crime punishable with death.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Common Misspellings for CAPITAL CRIME
- xapital crime
- vapital crime
- fapital crime
- dapital crime
- czpital crime
- cspital crime
- cwpital crime
- cqpital crime
- caoital crime
- calital crime
- ca-ital crime
- ca0ital crime
- caputal crime
- capjtal crime
- capktal crime
- capotal crime
- cap9tal crime
- cap8tal crime
- capiral crime
- capifal crime
Etymology of CAPITAL CRIME
The word "capital" in the phrase "capital crime" is derived from the Latin word "caput", which means "head". In ancient Rome, the concept of a capital crime referred to offenses that were punishable by the forfeiture of one's life or head. The term was later adopted into English and continued to refer to crimes that were considered to be so severe that they warranted the death penalty or other severe punishments. Over time, the term "capital crime" has come to encompass a range of offenses that can vary depending on the legal system and jurisdiction.
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