Corpus
/ˈkɔːrpəs/
Definitions
- (n.) A collection or body of written or spoken material, especially for linguistic analysis.
The linguist studied a corpus of historical documents.
- (n.) In law, the main body or material part of a writing or deed.
The corpus of the contract outlined the parties' obligations.
- (n.) In criminal law, the material substance or body of a crime, such as the person upon whom the crime is committed in homicide cases.
The prosecution proved the corpus of the crime by identifying the victim.
Forms
- corpora
Commentary
In legal drafting, precise use of 'corpus' is crucial as it may refer to the body of evidence, text, or the physical subject of a crime depending on context.
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.