capital offense

Cultural  

1. A crime, such as murder or betrayal of one's country, that is treated so seriously that death may be considered an appropriate punishment.

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Example Sentences

The judge said she was reluctant to grant bond but state statute forces her hand because the charges do not include a capital offense.

From Fox News • Dec. 15, 2021

The Malicious Shooting or Stabbing Act of 1803 outlawed the “malicious using of means to procure the miscarriage of women,” and abortion after “quickening” — or fetal movement — was considered a capital offense.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 25, 2020

Madison’s attorneys have argued that he should be spared because, after suffering from multiple strokes, the 67-year-old “has no memory of the capital offense for which he is to be executed.”

From Washington Post • Apr. 19, 2018

In my short story, “Fifth Avenue,” my journalist character had made some shocking discoveries and it has landed him with a treason charge, and of course, treason is a capital offense.

From Slate • Mar. 7, 2017

In many countries it was a capital offense for anyone but the official astrologer to read the portents in the skies: a good way to overthrow a regime was to predict its downfall.

From "Cosmos" by Carl Sagan