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Inculpable Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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inculpable

[ɪnˈkʌlpəbl ]

Definition

Context #1 | Adjective

legal context

Inculpable refers to a state of being not guilty or free from blame. It is often used in legal situations where a person is considered not responsible for a crime or wrongful act.

Synonyms

blameless, exonerated, innocent.

Examples of usage

  • The defendant was declared inculpable after new evidence emerged.
  • Inculpable individuals should not face harsh penalties.
  • The judge ruled that he was inculpable in the case.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Legal Context

  • In legal terms, being inculpable means a person is either not guilty or is exempt from blame for an action.
  • Defenses in court may focus on proving that a defendant is inculpable, often through alibis or lack of evidence.
  • The concept plays a significant role in judicial systems to ensure fair trials and the presumption of innocence.

Philosophy

  • Philosophers discuss the concept of responsibility, exploring the conditions under which people can be deemed inculpable.
  • Moral philosophy often questions the nature of blame and guilt, challenging whether individuals can truly be inculpable in every circumstance.
  • Characteristic discussions include 'moral luck,' where circumstances can unfairly alter perceptions of culpability.

Pop Culture

  • In literature and film, characters are often portrayed as inculpable to build suspense or provoke sympathy.
  • Mystery novels frequently feature innocent characters initially suspected of wrongdoing, leading to plot twists regarding their inculpability.
  • Popular TV shows often explore themes of innocence and blame, showcasing characters fighting to prove their inculpability.

Psychology

  • The perception of someone being inculpable can affect social dynamics and relationships, often leading to feelings of support or division.
  • Cognitive biases, such as the fundamental attribution error, can influence how people attribute blame, affecting perceptions of inculpability.
  • Studies show that those perceived as inculpable often receive more empathy from peers during disputes.

Origin of 'inculpable'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'inculpable' comes from the Latin 'inculpabilis,' which means 'not to be blamed.'
  • It combines 'in-' (not) with 'culpable,' suggesting a state of innocence.
  • Related words include 'culprit' which refers to someone guilty and 'culpability' which is the state of being responsible for a fault.

The term 'inculpable' originates from the Latin word 'inculpabilis', which is a combination of 'in-' meaning 'not' and 'culpa' meaning 'fault' or 'blame'. The use of the term has been prevalent in legal contexts where the determination of blame is crucial. Over the years, the concept of being inculpable has evolved within the justice system, highlighting the importance of fair trials and the presumption of innocence. The term emphasizes the principle that one should be considered innocent until proven guilty, which is a fundamental human right in many legal systems around the world. The adaptation of ';inculpable' into modern languages reflects an ongoing dialogue about accountability and justice.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #42,284, this word is among the less frequently used terms in English. While interesting to know, it's not crucial for most English learners unless needed for specific purposes.