Convicting Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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convicting
[kənˈvɪktɪŋ ]
Definition
legal process
Convicting refers to the legal process by which a person is found guilty of a crime in a court of law. This process involves the presentation of evidence and the deliberation of a jury or a judge. Once a conviction is established, it typically results in a sentence that can include imprisonment, fines, or other forms of punishment. Convicting plays a critical role in the criminal justice system, ensuring accountability and the enforcement of laws within society.
Synonyms
condemning, found guilty, sentencing.
Examples of usage
- The jury struggled with the evidence before convicting the defendant.
- After a lengthy trial, the judge moved forward with convicting the suspect.
- The new evidence was crucial in convicting the accused.
- The district attorney focused on convicting those responsible for the crime.
Translations
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Interesting Facts
Law
- Convicting someone typically requires proof beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
- Sentencing often follows a conviction, determining the consequences for the guilty party.
- In some places, a conviction can lead to a criminal record, which impacts future job opportunities and rights.
Psychology
- The process of convicting involves not just facts but also emotional appeals that can sway jurors.
- Cognitive biases can affect how evidence is perceived in a courtroom, influencing the outcome of a conviction.
- Social dynamics sometimes play a role in conviction rates, with public opinion shaping legal strategies.
Pop Culture
- Movies like 'The Shawshank Redemption' explore themes of wrongful conviction and redemption.
- True crime documentaries reveal the intricacies of real-life cases, highlighting issues in the conviction process.
- TV shows often dramatize courtroom scenes, showcasing the tension surrounding a convicting jury.
Literature
- In many novels, the theme of guilt and innocence unfolds around the concept of being found guilty.
- Famous works, like 'To Kill a Mockingbird,' comment on moral convictions beyond the legal frameworks.
- Poetry often captures the emotional weight of conviction, exploring themes of justice and morality.
Origin of 'convicting'
Main points about word origin
- The word 'convict' comes from the Latin 'convictus,' meaning 'to conquer or overcome' by proving something.
- Historically, 'convicting' relates to the legal process where a person is found guilty after a trial.
- The root 'vict' in Latin ties to 'victory,' showcasing the idea of overcoming doubt or innocence.
The word 'convict' originates from the Latin verb 'convictus', which means 'to overcome or prove guilty.' The term evolved in the Late Middle Ages, continuing to retain its legal connotation of proving a person's guilt in a court of law. Over time, this term has come to encompass not just the act of finding someone guilty, but also the associated legal processes and consequences that follow. In modern usage, 'convicting' is most often associated with criminal justice, reflecting societal efforts to uphold laws and administer justice.