capital offense

Other forms: capital offenses

A capital offense is a serious crime that can be punished by death. Capital offenses only exist in countries where the death penalty is legal.

Most countries in the world no longer use capital punishment, though it was widespread before the 19th century. In the U.S., 27 states still use the death penalty to punish capital offenses, which include the very worst crimes such as murder and terrorism. The capital in capital offense is from the Latin capitalis, "of the head," a reference to one of the earliest forms of state-sponsored executions, beheading convicted criminals.

Definitions of capital offense

1. noun

   a crime so serious that it can result in the death penalty
   type of:

   crime, criminal offence, criminal offense, law-breaking, offence, offense

   (criminal law) an act punishable by law; usually considered an evil act