Code of Silence
/ˈkoʊd ʌv ˈsaɪləns/
Definitions
- (n.) An unspoken agreement among members of a group to withhold information or refuse to report wrongdoing to authorities, often impairing legal investigations or enforcement.
The police officers were accused of maintaining a code of silence to protect their colleagues from scrutiny.
Forms
- code of silence
- codes of silence
Related terms
See also
Commentary
The term often arises in contexts involving law enforcement and corporate misconduct; understanding its impact on evidence disclosure is crucial in legal drafting and analysis.
This glossary is for general informational and educational purposes only. Definitions are jurisdiction-agnostic but reflect terminology and concepts primarily drawn from English and American legal traditions. Nothing herein constitutes legal advice or creates a lawyer-client relationship. Users should consult qualified counsel for advice on specific matters or jurisdictions.