Suburban Law Enforcement Academy (SLEA) BA State Certification Practice Exam

What does the term 'corpus delicti' refer to?

1. A defendant’s background

2. Formal charges in a case

3. Concrete evidence of a crime

4. An officer's report

The correct answer is: Concrete evidence of a crime

The term 'corpus delicti' refers to the essential components that demonstrate that a crime has actually occurred. This concept typically includes evidence that proves both the fact of the injury or loss and that it resulted from a criminal act. In criminal law, establishing the corpus delicti is crucial before a defendant can be convicted of a crime; it ensures that there is concrete evidence of the crime independent of a confession or admission by the defendant. This term emphasizes the importance of tangible evidence that validates the occurrence of a crime, rather than merely relying on circumstantial evidence or assertions by witnesses. Understanding corpus delicti is vital for law enforcement and legal professionals when they assess whether there is sufficient evidence to proceed with a prosecution.