What does the term "corpus delicti" signify in a criminal case?

The term "corpus delicti" is a Latin phrase that translates to "body of the crime." In a criminal case, it signifies the essential facts necessary to prove that a crime has been committed. This concept requires the prosecution to establish that a specific loss or injury has occurred, indicating that a crime was indeed perpetrated. This evidence usually includes both proof of the crime itself and proof that the crime occurred in a specific manner.

For instance, if a homicide is charged, the corpus delicti would include evidence showing that a death has occurred and that this death resulted from a criminal act rather than from natural causes or an accident. Establishing the corpus delicti protects individuals from wrongful convictions, as it ensures that there is substantive proof of a crime before a person can be held liable.

Understanding "corpus delicti" is crucial for legal practitioners, as it forms a foundational requirement in criminal law, guiding how cases are built and evaluated within the judicial system.