Incriminate Definition and Legal Meaning

On this page, you'll find the legal definition and meaning of Incriminate, written in plain English, along with examples of how it is used.

What is Incriminate?

To admit to a crime commited thereby being charged for the same. It also refers to written or oral statement on accepting the fact that a crime was commited by him/her or that he/she provides information expose the one who has commited crime. It is an open invitation to indulging oneself in the prosecution for the crime. One cannot be forced to issue a statement for accepting a crime or identifying a criminal and has the right to keep quiet.

History and Meaning of Incriminate

The term "Incriminate" originated from the Latin word "crimina" which means "charge, fault, or crime". It is defined as the act of implicating oneself or someone else in a criminal offense or an unlawful act by providing evidence, confession, or statement. Incrimination can also refer to the process of collecting and presenting evidence against a person to prove guilt or involvement in an illegal activity.

Incriminating evidence can be obtained through various means such as physical evidence, eyewitness testimony, or forensic analysis. However, an individual cannot be forced to incriminate themselves, as it is a violation of their Fifth Amendment right against self-incrimination.

Examples of Incriminate

  1. John refused to incriminate his friend during the investigation, even though he was a witness to the crime.
  2. The DNA evidence found at the crime scene incriminated the suspect and led to his arrest.
  3. The company's financial records revealed incriminating evidence of embezzlement by the CEO.
  4. The suspect's confession to the police incriminated him in the robbery.
  5. The prosecutor was unable to incriminate the defendant due to lack of evidence.

Legal Terms Similar to Incriminate

  1. Self-incrimination: The act of implicating oneself in a crime or an offense.
  2. Accusation: A formal charge or claim of wrongdoing made against someone.
  3. Indictment: A formal accusation or charge of a serious crime made by a grand jury after reviewing evidence presented by prosecutors.
  4. Allegation: A claim or assertion that someone has done something illegal or wrong, typically without proof.
  5. Testimony: Evidence or a statement given under oath by a witness in a legal proceeding.