Capital Offense (Noun)
Meaning
A crime so serious that capital punishment is considered appropriate.
Classification
Nouns denoting acts or actions.
Examples
- Treason was considered a capital offense during the war and would be punishable by death if convicted.
- In the 18th century, stealing a horse was considered a capital offense in many US states.
- The defendant was found guilty of murder, a capital offense that made him eligible for the death penalty.
- Arson that led to loss of life could be tried as a capital offense in some jurisdictions.
- Kidnapping resulting in the death of the victim was a capital offense and would be punished accordingly by law.