Convicted Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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convicted
[kənˈvɪktɪd ]
Definition
legal status
Convicted refers to the state of having been found guilty of a crime through a court of law. When an individual is convicted, it means that they have been formally charged and subsequently judged to have committed an offense. This legal determination can occur after a trial or sometimes through a guilty plea. The term often implies a consequence, such as a prison sentence or other penalties, that follows the conviction.
Synonyms
found guilty, judged, sentenced.
Examples of usage
- She was convicted of theft.
- The convicted felon served five years in prison.
- They announced the convicted man would appeal.
- The jury convicted him after a lengthy trial.
Translations
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Interesting Facts
Legal Context
- In many legal systems, a conviction can result from either a trial or a guilty plea.
- Different types of convictions exist, including felonies and misdemeanors, which can affect sentencing drastically.
- Innocent individuals can sometimes be wrongly convicted due to flawed evidence or judicial errors.
Psychology
- The feeling of being convicted can lead to significant anxiety and depression, especially for those wrongly accused.
- Studies show that people who feel socially judged often develop a 'conviction complex,' impacting their self-esteem.
- Cognitive dissonance can occur when a person’s belief conflicts with their actions, especially if they are convicted of a crime.
Pop Culture
- Movies often portray characters who are wrongfully convicted, which resonates with themes of justice and redemption.
- Popular TV shows like 'Making a Murderer' highlight real-life legal battles surrounding wrongful convictions.
- Songs and literature often use 'convicted' metaphorically to discuss guilt in personal relationships or societal issues.
Sociocultural Impacts
- In some cultures, being convicted can result in severe social stigma, affecting an individual’s reputation long after legal repercussions.
- The rate of convictions can reflect systemic issues in a legal system, including biases against certain demographic groups.
- Social justice movements often address wrongful convictions and strive for reforms to prevent such occurrences.
Origin of 'convicted'
Main points about word origin
- The term 'convicted' comes from the Latin word 'convictus', meaning to prove or overcome completely.
- The root word 'vincere' in Latin means 'to conquer,' highlighting the idea of proving guilt in a legal sense.
- As the word evolved, it became associated with legal rulings, particularly in English law.
The word 'convicted' originates from the Latin 'convictus', which is the past participle of 'convincere', meaning 'to overcome' or 'to conquer'. The term entered Middle English in the 15th century and was utilized in legal contexts to describe someone who had been proven guilty of a crime. Over time, 'convicted' has maintained its association with formal legal proceedings, reflecting an individual's status after being adjudicated in a court of law. The evolution of the term has paralleled the development of legal systems, where a conviction is a pivotal moment in the criminal justice process, leading to penalties or rehabilitation measures.