Indictable: meaning, definitions and examples

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indictable

 

[ ɪnˈdaɪtəbl ]

Adjective
Context #1 | Adjective

legal terminology

Indictable refers to a category of offenses that can be prosecuted by indictment, usually involving more serious crimes. These crimes typically warrant more severe penalties than summary offenses and can lead to a trial by jury in many legal systems.

Synonyms

accusable, chargeable, prosecutable

Examples of usage

  • The suspect was charged with an indictable offense.
  • Indictable crimes include murder, robbery, and serious assault.
  • In some jurisdictions, you have the right to a jury trial for indictable offenses.

Translations

Translations of the word "indictable" in other languages:

🇵🇹 indiciável

🇮🇳 अपराधी

🇩🇪 anzuklagend

🇮🇩 dapat didakwa

🇺🇦 обвинувачуваний

🇵🇱 oskarżalny

🇯🇵 起訴可能な

🇫🇷 pouvant être inculpé

🇪🇸 acusatorio

🇹🇷 iddia edilebilir

🇰🇷 기소할 수 있는

🇸🇦 قابل الاتهام

🇨🇿 obžalovatelný

🇸🇰 obžalovateľný

🇨🇳 可起诉的

🇸🇮 obtožljiv

🇮🇸 saksóknanlegur

🇰🇿 айыпталатын

🇬🇪 მსაჯული

🇦🇿 ittiham edilə bilən

🇲🇽 acusatorio

Etymology

The term 'indictable' originates from the legal process pertaining to indictment, which is a formal charge or accusation of a serious crime. The roots of the word can be traced back to Middle English 'indicten', which came from the Old French 'indicter', stemming from the Latin 'indictare', meaning 'to declare or proclaim'. 'Indictable' has been used in English law to differentiate between types of offenses, particularly in legal proceedings to ensure due process and the rights of the accused. Over time, as legal systems evolved, the categorization of indictable offenses has adapted to reflect changes in society's views on crime and punishment, solidifying its place within the legal lexicon.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #21,990, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.