Capital crimes

Definition

Capital crimes are serious criminal offenses that can result in the death penalty or life imprisonment without parole. They include murder, espionage, and treason among others within the legal framework of jurisdictions that allow for such penalties.

Related terms

Death Penalty: A legal process where a person is put to death by the state as a punishment for a crime.

Life Imprisonment: A sentence of imprisonment for a serious crime under which the convicted person is to remain in prison for the rest of their life or until paroled.

Felony: A category of crimes that are often classified as the most serious types of offenses, which can include capital crimes