Definition, Meaning & Synonyms
capital-offence
Noun
/ˈkæpɪtəl əˈfɛns/
Definition
A capital offence is a crime that is severe enough to warrant the death penalty upon conviction.
Examples
- The act of killing someone intentionally can be classified as a capital offence.
- In some jurisdictions, treason is considered a capital offence, punishable by death.
- Many argue that the death penalty for capital offences should be abolished due to ethical concerns.
Meaning
It refers to serious crimes, such as murder, treason, or espionage, which can lead to the ultimate punishment sanctioned by law, that is, execution.
Synonyms
- Death penalty crime
- Capital crime
- Homicide
