Difference between revisions of "Culprit"
(Created page with 'File:lighterstill.jpgright|frame ==Origin== Anglo-French ''cul''. (abbreviation of ''culpable'' guilty) + ''prest'', ''prit'' ready (i....') |
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==Origin== | ==Origin== | ||
Anglo-French ''cul''. (abbreviation of ''culpable'' [[guilty]]) + ''prest'', ''prit'' ready (i.e., to [[prove]] it), from [[Latin]] ''praestus'' | Anglo-French ''cul''. (abbreviation of ''culpable'' [[guilty]]) + ''prest'', ''prit'' ready (i.e., to [[prove]] it), from [[Latin]] ''praestus'' | ||
| − | *[ | + | *[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/17th_century 1678] |
==Definitions== | ==Definitions== | ||
*1: one accused of or charged with a [[crime]] | *1: one accused of or charged with a [[crime]] | ||
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*3: the source or cause of a [[problem]] | *3: the source or cause of a [[problem]] | ||
==Description== | ==Description== | ||
| − | A '''culprit''', under English [[law]] properly the ''prisoner at the bar'', is one [[accused]] of a [[crime]]. The term is used, generally, of one [[guilty]] of an [[offence]]. In [[origin]] the word is a combination of two Anglo-French legal [[words]], ''culpable'': guilty, and ''prit'' or ''prest'': Old French: ready. On the prisoner at the bar pleading not guilty, the clerk of the crown answered culpable, and states that he was ready (prest) to join issue. The words "cul. prist" were then entered on the roll, showing that issue had been joined. When [ | + | A '''culprit''', under English [[law]] properly the ''prisoner at the bar'', is one [[accused]] of a [[crime]]. The term is used, generally, of one [[guilty]] of an [[offence]]. In [[origin]] the word is a combination of two Anglo-French legal [[words]], ''culpable'': guilty, and ''prit'' or ''prest'': Old French: ready. On the prisoner at the bar pleading not guilty, the clerk of the crown answered culpable, and states that he was ready (prest) to join issue. The words "cul. prist" were then entered on the roll, showing that issue had been joined. When [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/French_law French law] terms were discontinued, the words were taken as forming one word addressed to the [[prisoner]]. |
| − | The formula "Culprit, how will you be tried?" in answer to a plea of "not guilty," is first found in the [[trial]] for murder of the [ | + | The formula "Culprit, how will you be tried?" in answer to a plea of "not guilty," is first found in the [[trial]] for murder of the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Philip_Herbert,_7th_Earl_of_Pembroke 7th Earl of Pembroke] in 1678. |
| − | This article incorporates [[text]] from a publication now in the public domain: Chisholm, Hugh, ed. (1911). [ | + | This article incorporates [[text]] from a publication now in the public domain: Chisholm, Hugh, ed. (1911). [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Encyclop%C3%A6dia_Britannica_Eleventh_Edition Encyclopædia Britannica (11th ed.)]. [[Cambridge University Press]]. |
| − | Under modern [ | + | Under modern [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Criminal_law criminal law], the preferred term is ''defendant''. |
[[Category: Law]] | [[Category: Law]] | ||
Latest revision as of 23:45, 12 December 2020
Origin
Anglo-French cul. (abbreviation of culpable guilty) + prest, prit ready (i.e., to prove it), from Latin praestus
Definitions
- 1: one accused of or charged with a crime
- 2: one guilty of a crime or a fault
- 3: the source or cause of a problem
Description
A culprit, under English law properly the prisoner at the bar, is one accused of a crime. The term is used, generally, of one guilty of an offence. In origin the word is a combination of two Anglo-French legal words, culpable: guilty, and prit or prest: Old French: ready. On the prisoner at the bar pleading not guilty, the clerk of the crown answered culpable, and states that he was ready (prest) to join issue. The words "cul. prist" were then entered on the roll, showing that issue had been joined. When French law terms were discontinued, the words were taken as forming one word addressed to the prisoner.
The formula "Culprit, how will you be tried?" in answer to a plea of "not guilty," is first found in the trial for murder of the 7th Earl of Pembroke in 1678.
This article incorporates text from a publication now in the public domain: Chisholm, Hugh, ed. (1911). Encyclopædia Britannica (11th ed.). Cambridge University Press.
Under modern criminal law, the preferred term is defendant.
