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

All these years later, Lethem wants to measure the cost and burden of microaggressions and capital offenses.

From Los Angeles Times

“None of the charges against Ms. Gilland are capital offenses or offenses punishable by life imprisonment. Therefore, Ms. Gilland is entitled to pretrial release,” attorney Matthew Ferry wrote in a motion filed late Wednesday.

From Seattle Times

In each of the New England colonies, witchcraft was considered a capital offense.

From Seattle Times

The charges the men face are capital offenses.

From Washington Post

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