Heinous Crime
/ˈheɪnəs kraɪm/
Definitions
- (n.) A crime that is particularly gross, atrocious, or shockingly evil, often carrying enhanced penalties.
Murder and terrorism are typically classified as heinous crimes under the law.
Forms
- heinous crime
- heinous crimes
Related terms
See also
Commentary
The term is often used in statutes to denote crimes meriting harsher sentencing; definitions vary by jurisdiction.
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.